Demonstration of zero emission coaches and buses in long distance operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Overview

Supports the demonstration and integration of zero-emission coaches and buses in long-distance passenger transport operations across Europe. Targets bus and coach operators, manufacturers, and consortia developing scalable, intermodal solutions for regional, national, or transnational routes.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., bus/coach operators, manufacturers, research institutions, public transport authorities) from eligible EU Member States and Associated Countries. Single applicants are not permitted.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €13,500,000 per project.
• Funding rate: Typically 70% of eligible costs for for-profit entities; up to 100% for non-profits or public bodies (varies by entity type).
• Total budget: Not specified.

What Is Funded

• Demonstration of zero-emission coaches and buses in long-distance operations (average ≥500 km per route) across multiple EU/Associated Countries.
• Development of sustainable business models, fleet management tools, and intermodal hub integration (e.g., park-and-ride, urban transitions).
• Optimized charging/refuelling schedules, shared charging infrastructure, and grid impact assessments.
• Passenger experience improvements (e.g., interior design flexibility, comfort, safety, inclusivity).
• Replication strategies, best-practice sharing, and analysis of legal barriers.
• Cross-border operational challenges (e.g., driving time regulations, energy demand balancing).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational conditions).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-14T23:00:00Z
• Deadline: 2027-04-13T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting on project results to the 2ZERO Partnership for KPI monitoring.
• Potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS data if satellite-based services are employed.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Demonstrations must involve at least 5 vehicles across multiple operational routes.
• Proposals must address both technical and operational challenges, including energy demand balancing and seasonal effects.
• Leveraging outcomes from related 2ZERO projects is encouraged.