UK bus market falls 50.6% in Q2 2026 as ZEV share rises to 26.5% despite 37% drop in registrations
By Eve
The UK's new bus, coach and minibus market declined 50.6% to 1,465 units in Q2 2026, marking the fourth consecutive quarterly fall, according to SMMT data. Zero emission bus registrations dropped 37.0% to 388 units but captured 26.5% market share, up from 20.8% in Q2 2025, as the overall market contracted faster. Wales recorded 138% growth to 119 units, partly driven by Welsh Government investment in the TrawsCymru network, while England fell 49.9% to 1,190 vehicles and Scotland dropped 71.9% to 141 units.
Why it matters: The widening gap between ZEV and diesel bus procurement signals a structural shift in fleet renewal priorities, even as public transport budgets tighten. Operators and charging infrastructure planners must prepare for a market where zero emission vehicles represent nearly a third of new registrations despite lower absolute volumes.