In 2024 the German state of Bavaria allocated €50 million in funding for 508 low and zero emission buses

The German state of Bavaria allocated in 2024 over €50 million in funding for 508 new so called ‘climate buses’ in 2024, including over 220 zero emission buses (being these battery-electric or powered via fuel cell). A further 15 million euros was invested in bus depots, announces the Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Building and Transport.

E-mobility news agency electrive reports that Bavarian state “intends to subsidise 2,000 electric buses and their charging infrastructure by 2028. In 2023, the budget was significantly higher than in 2024, with the government reserving 95 million euros (38 million euros for vehicles and 57 million euros for depot electrification). One year later, it was 65 million euros for vehicles and infrastructure”.

Bavaria subsidies for buses

The ministry underlines that “In the current coalition agreement, the Bavarian state government has set itself the goal of funding 400 climate buses per year. With the results for climate bus funding in 2024, the target was clearly exceeded. In total, the state has provided more than 50 million euros for 508 subsidised climate buses”.

Thanks to these fundings, Bavarian transport companies have purchased over 220 new electric buses. Buses that run on biogas or HVO 100 eco-diesel were also subsidised, with specific focus on rural operations.

“With this funding, we are making an important contribution to the reduction of climate-damaging emissions and have not only achieved our goal in this area, but significantly exceeded it”, says Bavaria’s Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter.

Bernreiter adds: “We need customised solutions for companies in rural areas, where there are still some difficulties with the use of electric buses. Our funding results and the high demand from all parts of the country show that we are responding precisely and flexibly to local needs with our funding”