EMT Madrid Orders 120 More E-Buses, Vehicles Awarded to Irizar, Daimler and Solaris

Why It Matters

The expanded electric fleet cuts emissions and sets a precedent for large‑scale articulated e‑bus deployment in European cities.

Key Takeaways

• 120 e-buses ordered, 90 standard, 30 articulated.
• Irizar, Daimler, Solaris win contracts.
• Investment totals ~79 M €, about $86 M.
• Fleet will exceed 25% electric share by 2027.
• Articulated buses serve Carabanchel line 34 route.

Pulse Analysis

Madrid’s public‑transport authority is accelerating its electrification agenda after a series of strategic procurements. Following a 2022 order of 150 battery‑electric buses and recent hydrogen‑fuel trials, EMT Madrid now adds 120 new e‑buses, slated for delivery between 2026 and early 2027. The mix of 12‑metre standard models from Irizar and Mercedes and 18‑metre articulated units from Solaris reflects a balanced approach to capacity and route flexibility, while the projected fleet composition will push electric vehicles past the 25 percent threshold, a key milestone for the city’s climate commitments.

The introduction of articulated battery‑electric buses marks a significant operational shift. With a minimum range of 320 km, the Solaris Urbino 18 Electric units can comfortably serve longer corridors such as line 34 between Cibeles and Las Águilas, reducing reliance on diesel‑powered coaches. Deploying these buses at the Carabanchel depot also leverages recent charging‑infrastructure upgrades, ensuring rapid turnaround and minimal downtime. The standard‑size eCitaro and Irizar ie buses will populate the Fuencarral and Sanchinarro depots respectively, diversifying the fleet’s geographic footprint and enhancing service reliability across Madrid’s dense urban network.

On a broader scale, the contract underscores the growing competitiveness of European e‑bus manufacturers. Irizar, Daimler and Solaris secured sizable market share by offering tailored solutions that meet stringent range and capacity requirements, positioning Spain as a testbed for next‑generation electric transit. The roughly €79 million (≈$86 million) investment aligns with EU Green Deal incentives, encouraging other municipalities to replicate Madrid’s model. As battery costs continue to fall and charging technology matures, large‑scale articulated electric buses are likely to become a standard component of sustainable urban mobility strategies across the continent.