Best Electric Bus Reviews: Top 7 Electric Buses for 2024

The best electric bus is a self-explanatory term for the top quality electric buses ever hit the roads. The number of battery-powered electric buses is limited compared to gasoline-powered traditional buses, and you can easily single out the superior ones among them. Electric buses and other vehicles are becoming mainstream because vehicles that run on natural fuel are nothing but a curse for generations to come.

Usually, finding top-class electric buses should not inspire awe or fatigue, but the RX Mechanic expert team has saved your leg work by short-listing the top 7 electric buses superior to their fellow battery-powered bus in terms of trending features and amenities. 

So, reaching the best electric bus is a matter of going through this article that you can manage time for even if you run a hectic daily routine. Before that, let’s brief you on what an electric bus is and other crucial detail.

What Is an Electric Bus?

You already have developed an impression that the electric bus is a fantastic addition to the new trend of earth-friendly vehicles that include electric SUVs, racing cars, private cars, pickups, and more. An electric bus runs on electricity stored on robust batteries onboard. The batteries are charged by the generator in a depot, overhead wire, or charging stations. 

Electric buses are experiencing raging popularity for being environment-friendly because they produce less noise and pollution. On top of that, they require less and cheaper maintenance than traditional buses.

London Electrobus Company was the first to introduce a battery electric bus more than a century back, in 1907. But the credit for making electric buses an emerging alternative to the existing combustion engine buses goes to China.

They have upgraded the battery power to such an extent that it is now possible to run 12-18 m buses for hours covering long-distance – fair enough for city transportation. To be precise, the largest and best electric bus stock is in China now because 98% of electric buses worldwide are made in China now. 

Initially, electric buses were used for short and medium distances, but long-distant electric buses have started showing up on the scene. 

Their uses presently are limited to commuting passengers between cities, towns, or campuses to transporting cargo within a city. But the day is not far for the automobile industry to see electric buses dominate the highways, and the long-distant diesel-powered traditional buses will be replaced by electric battery-run buses. 

7 Electric Buses for 2022 and Beyond

Electric buses are powered by an electric motor, unlike the traditional ICE engines, and thus ensure zero or nominal emission. But the best electric buses go beyond the basic. They offer superior interior facilities, including flat internal space, modern lighting fixtures, excellent driving comfort and control, step-in kneeling, video surveillance, ultra-modern dashboard and steering, and the like. Here you meet 7 such electric buses.

1. BYD K9 Electric Bus 

Electric buses are becoming more popular as technology improves. BYD, one of the best electric bus manufacturers in the world, has just released its new K9 electric bus. The K9 models include 12m and articulated buses that accommodate 60 sitting and standing passengers. 

It runs at 70 kph, and the range of up to 250 miles is at the top end of electric buses. The BYD K9 has several features that make it earth-friendly, including regenerative braking and an all-electric drivetrain. 

It takes 4-5 hours to get fully recharged using 80 KW AC charging capacity, but with plug-in DC charging, you fast charge it at 1.5-2 hours. 

Stand-out Features:

• Regenerative Braking System
• Kneeling Mechanism
• Dual Air Suspension (Front and Rear)
• ITS Enabled Multi-modal City Transport

2. The Proterra ZX5 Electric Transit Bus 

The Proterra ZX5 electric transit bus is a cutting-edge transportation option rapidly becoming more popular due to its many benefits. The 40-foot bus can accommodate up to 40 passengers and has a range of up to 300 miles. The 50 mph top speed is ideal for short commuting or longer trips. 

Needless to say, the Proterra ZX5 is environment-friendly, emitting zero emissions while on the road. The Proterra ZX5 electric bus is also equipped with a fast charging system.

Stand-out Feature:

• Advanced ride height rapid keeling
• Front-Charge Port
• Upgraded Light and windshield system for more visibility

3. Gepebus Oreos 4X Electric Bus 

Electric buses are becoming the go of the day as cities strive to reduce emissions and improve air quality. In a move to reduce its carbon emissions, the city of Montreal has announced that it will be purchasing 10 all-electric buses from Gepebus. The new electric buses will also help to save the city money on energy costs.

Gepebus, a Spanish bus manufacturer, has developed the 4X electric bus. The bus is powered by four electric motors, one in each wheel, making it very maneuverable. It can also go from 0 to 70 km/h in six seconds. The 4X electric bus has a range of 120 km on a single charge, which is enough for most urban routes with an accommodating capacity for 49 people and 25 seats.  

Stand-out Feature:

• Optional facilities for boarding disabled people

4. Mercedeze-benz ecitaro g electric bus 

A new model of an electric bus is the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G Electric Bus, considered a giant step toward electrifying public transport. This bus has a range of up to 150-170km on a single charge, which is sufficient for intra-city transportation electric buses. It can carry up to 145 passengers. 

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G Electric Bus is an excellent option for cities looking to reduce pollution and save money on transportation costs. 

Mercedes Benz G class is the most popular model of Mercedes Benz, featuring 4-door luxury and a robust battery capacity of 441 kWh with 7 seven battery packs in combination. 

Stand-out Feature:

• Intelligent thermal management
• Energy-saving acceleration control

5. Ebusco 2.2 Electric Bus 

Ebusco is a company that specializes in manufacturing electric buses, and they recently unveiled their newest model, the Ebusco 2.2. This bus ranges up to 350 and 450 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for long-distance routes. In fact, it can surf city streets all day long at a single charge. 

It offers a sleek, modern design that will be sure to turn heads when it hits the road and is the latest innovation in sustainable public transportation. 

This all-electric bus can accommodate up to 90-150 passengers. This is perfect for urban areas with high-traffic congestion and air pollution, as it emits zero emissions. With its quiet operation and comfortable seating, the Ebusco 2.2 is ideal for short-distance commuting and long-distance trips. 

Stand-out Feature:

• High Mileage and Accommodating capacity 

6. Volvo 7900 Electric Bus 

Volvo has announced that it will begin mass production of its electric bus, the Volvo 7900 Electric, in 2018. This electric bus can travel up to 124 miles on a single charge and can accommodate up to 150 passengers in the Articulated unit. It is equipped with two battery packs, one located in the front and one in the back of the bus. 

This allows for even weight distribution and efficient braking. As for charging options, Volvo electric bus offers charging on routes, depot charging, and pantograph charging. The Volvo 7900 Electric has a top speed of 50 mph, going 6% uphill gradient, and can get fully recharged in as little as three hours. 

Stand-out Features:

• Both ABS and EBS Braking System
• All the charging options enabled

7. Yutong U12 Electric Bus 

China’s Yutong U12 electric bus is 12 meters long and runs on electricity sourced from a battery. It travels up to 400 kilometers on a single charge provided by a 422 KWh battery, making it an ideal option for short-distance and long-distance transportation with 70 passengers to max capacity. 

The bus is equipped with a panoramic cockpit, multi-operation steering, new generation dashboard, and ISRI drive seat for driving safety and comfort. It runs at 70 kilometers per hour and can be charged in two hours using the designated volt outlet. The Yutong U12 is made in China and is one of the most affordable electric buses on the market. When referring to the best electric bus in china, you can name this model among others.

Stand-out Feature:

• Large flat floor for special people
•  built-in tri-color ambient lights
• Convenient driving control and comfort

Pros of Electric Buses

The popularity of electric buses is steeply on the rise, boosted by the transit agencies’ trend of switching. Yes, they offer many advantages they offer over diesel buses. Electric Buses: 

• produce zero emissions, which is excellent for the environment 
• cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional diesel buses 
• are more efficient, speed, and longer range
• are quieter than diesel buses
• experience a phenomenal decrease in maintenance costs and hassle
• can be plugged into the grid to recharge, overhead wire recharging, and charging stations 
• quiet and comfortable, making them a better option for urban areas 
• more pleasant ride for passengers with modern amenities not standard in traditional ICE buses 

Cons of electric buses 

Yes, electric buses have benefits over traditional diesel buses, but they also have a few disadvantages and drawbacks to be aware of before making the switch. The disadvantages of the electric bus include:

• Electric buses are more expensive to buy than traditional diesel buses. 
• Electric buses also require a reliable and robust electrical infrastructure, which can be expensive to install and maintain. 
• The electric bus (EV) is an electric motor vehicle designed to operate on city streets and provide passenger transport. But they are not suitable for heavier and long-distant transportation like their gasoline-powered counterparts. 
• They require recharging options that have yet to become available everywhere. There must remain a charging depot, an overhead wire charging setup, or an underground station to recharge it. 
• Unlike speedy refueling of the diesel-powered buses, they require hours to get fully charged. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which electric bus has the most extended range?

Electric buses have been growing in popularity mainly as an environment-friendly option for public transportation. The most frequent question for those considering electric buses is which bus has the most extended range. For an answer to this question, we looked at three different types of electric buses: the all-electric bus, the hybrid electric bus, and the plug-in hybrid electric bus. 

The all-electric bus had by far the average range of 100-400 km, but the record of the longest range covered by an electric bus belongs to Proterra as its latest model has set the record of covering 1700 miles at one single charge.  So, in terms of range, this Proterra electric bus model can claim to be the best bus in the world.

Q: Are the best buses electric?

BEST buses are all-electric, and the company has 386 buses currently operating. 

Lokesh Chandra, general manager of BEST, expects an operating total of 525 buses by the end of this year. BEST, the second-largest public transport network next to the suburban train network, is planning to increase the number of best electric buses in India to 3500 electric buses, which will be all-electric. This entire fleet of electric locomotives is expected to replace the other non-electric counterparts.

Q: Which company is making electric buses?

Electric buses are becoming the go-to transportation sector now, and the world is moving away from gas and diesel vehicles. Many major companies now producing electric buses are based in Asia, Europe, and America. 

One of the leading electric bus manufacturers is Proterra. They have a number of different models of electric buses, from small city buses to large coaches.

Another leading manufacturer of electric buses is BYD. They have a wide range of electric bus models, and BYD also offers a number of different charging options, making their buses suitable for any situation. 

Ebusco is a Netherlands-based electric bus manufacturer. The company started in 2010 to become a leading player in the European electric bus market pretty soon. 

Some other big names in the electric bus industry include Gepebusoreo4x, Mercedez, AB Volvo, Electrobrus, and Yutong. Any one of the said company is the best electric bus company. 

Q: How far can an electric bus go on a charge?

A study has found that an electric bus can travel up to 100-400 kilometers on a single charge. The extra distance the higher battery capacity allows could make electric buses more competitive with conventional buses in urban areas. 

The range is the distance covered per charge with the charge loss during charging operation taken into account.

Q: Who makes batteries for electric buses?

There are many different types of electric buses, and the batteries that power them can vary in size and type. So the answer to ‘who makes the batteries for electric buses?’ would include many large battery companies like Panasonic, Samsung SDI, and LG Chem all make batteries for electric buses.

However, smaller companies are also starting to get into the market. For example, Boston-based Volta Industries makes small lithium-ion batteries specifically for use in electric buses.

The market for electric bus batteries is growing quickly, and as more cities switch to electric buses, the demand for batteries will continue to increase. 

Q: Which country has the most electric buses?

Electric buses are becoming more popular around the world as a way to reduce emissions and save on fuel costs. But which country has the most electric buses? According to a recent study by the International Energy Agency, China leads the way, with over 421,000 electric buses in operation.

Europe comes in second, with nearly 8500 electric buses, and the electric bus production in the US has reached a number to occupy the third position. Other countries with large fleets of electric buses include India, Brazil, and France.

It seems that competitors are pushing the limit captured by China, which is evident from the fact that China had 99% of total electric buses in their possession, which is now 98%. 

Q: How long do electric bus batteries last?

Batteries are a key part of electric buses, so it’s important to understand how long they will last and what is necessary to be done for maintenance. In general, electric bus batteries last around 10-12 years. 

However, the number may vary as per the make and model of the bus, the climate, and the amount of use the bus gets.

One way to help extend battery life is to keep them in a cool environment. This is pretty crucial in hot climates, where battery life can be reduced down to 50% if they are not kept cool. 

After 12 years of running as a bus running fuel, it can further be used in a charging station for another 10-12 years, this time for charging bus batteries. 

Q: How long does it take to charge an electric bus?

Electric buses are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. But how long it takes to charge an electric bus is a frequent query to answer accurately. Charging an electric bus takes around two to eight hours. 

Electric buses have two options to be charged: plug-in charging and pantographic charging. The plug-in charging system is like the electric car charging system when the driver can plug the charger into the port, and the bus will get charged, as said above. 

But pantographic charging is a bit faster where the bus goes underground charging station, and two robotic wings attach to the top of the bus to recharge it. In both cases, the charging duration depends on the amount of current the charging source has

Q: What is a hybrid electric bus?

Yes, like hybrid trucks and pickups, there are hybrid electric buses also. A hybrid electric bus uses two or more sources of power to drive the bus. The most common type of hybrid bus uses a diesel engine or internal combustion engine to power a generator that creates electricity. The electricity powers an electric motor that drives the bus. 

Some buses also have a battery pack that stores energy from the electric motor. This energy can help the bus climb hills or power the bus when it is stopped. Hybrid electric buses are currently used on a small number of routes around the world. 

The first hybrid bus is the Volvo 77 Hybrid to ferry passengers with a capacity of 105 seats. Since then, several other cities have introduced hybrid buses to their fleets. 

Q: Who makes electric buses in the USA?

There are several companies that make electric buses in the USA. Some of the most popular ones are Proterra, based in Greenville, SC; BYD, based in Lancaster, California; and New Flyer, based in San Diego. 

These companies have been in the business for a while and have a lot of experience making electric buses. The USA is far behind Europe and China in manufacturing electric buses, but they also show increased interest in this new trend of earth-friendly road cars. 

One of the reasons why electric buses are becoming more popular is the growing market for electric vehicles. More people are buying electric cars, and that’s also helped to create demand for electric buses. 

Electric bus manufacturers are also starting to develop new models that are even more efficient and environmentally viable. This is helping to increase interest in electric buses among transit agencies and other buyers. 

Best Electric Bus: Is The Future Public Transport?

This is not a tricky question to answer if you keep in mind the pace at which the electric bus companies are producing. And this trend is meeting wide reception worldwide China, Asia, is the dominant hub. 

People are going green in all aspects of life, so electric buses are preferable to gasoline-powered rivals. Now, they are showing up in the city streets but focusing on the increased range; they can very well replace the ICE engine public transport. 

But the biggest and toughest challenge is developing charging infrastructure. And the companies are hell-bent on making charging options widely available.