The Italian bus industry has opened the year with a powerful performance, building on the strong momentum seen in early 2026. Latest figures from ANFIA reveal that registrations for vehicles exceeding 8 tons jumped by 28.2% during the first quarter compared to last year, totaling 1,434 new units.
Beyond the volume increase, the true story is the rapid evolution of the energy mix, highlighted by a historic breakthrough for hydrogen and the unwavering rise of electric power.
The data highlights a strategic focus on modernizing city fleets:
- Class I (Urban): Dominating nearly half the market, this segment saw 710 registrations (49.5% share)—a remarkable 70% increase over the first quarter of 2025.
- Class II (Intercity): This sector saw a marginal decline of 5.5%, settling at 324 units (22.6% share).
- Coaches: Long-haul and tourism vehicles remain steady with 391 units, making up 27.3% of the market.
- School Buses: A small niche of 9 units (over 8 tons) was recorded.
The Q1 report underscores a decisive move toward diverse, sustainable propulsion systems.
1. The Hydrogen Milestone
The most striking development is the deployment of 142 hydrogen fuel cell buses, accounting for roughly 10% of the total market. This shift signals that hydrogen has transitioned from a pilot technology to a commercially viable solution in Italy’s transit infrastructure.
2. Electric Momentum vs. Diesel Persistence
- Electric (BEV): Battery-electric bus registrations surged by 172.5% to 466 units. Remarkably, one in every three new buses hitting Italian roads is now fully electric (32.5% share).
- Diesel: While the transition is well underway, traditional diesel remains the largest single category at 48.2% (691 units, a 31% increase), a figure that includes 6 units running on biodiesel.
3. The Sharp Decline of Gas and Hybrids
In contrast, previously popular transition technologies are losing ground:
- Gas (CNG/LNG): Registrations tumbled by 60.6%, falling to just 113 units (7.9% share).
- Hybrids: The hybrid segment has collapsed, dropping 83% with a mere 22 units registered.
As Italy fast-tracks its commitment to a zero-emission future, the record-setting growth of hydrogen and electric fleets represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable public transportation.
This article was originally published by PEI Mobility.
