Over 80 Chinese Companies Showcase Electric and Smart Bus Innovations at World Bus Expo

Overview: Over 80 Chinese Companies Showcase at the World Bus Expo, Highlighting Electric and Intelligent Technologies

From October 4 to 9, 2025, the biennial World Bus Expo took place in Brussels, Belgium, featuring approximately 550 companies from around the globe. The event focused on innovations related to zero-emission vehicles, intelligent transportation, and next-generation batteries, showcasing the latest advancements in public transport electrification and digitalization.

In terms of the number of exhibitors, Turkey led with 107 companies participating. China surpassed Germany for the first time, with over 80 exhibitors, placing second, while Germany followed in third with 68 exhibitors.

European manufacturers prominently unveiled new products at this year’s expo. Daimler Buses from Germany showcased eight exhibit vehicles, including the global debut of its intercity all-electric model. The German MAN Group presented its first all-electric bus developed by a major European bus manufacturer, and Sweden’s Scania introduced a new high-floor battery electric bus and coach platform aimed at intercity and long-distance travel.

This expo attracted numerous Chinese bus manufacturers, reflecting a strong interest in the European market. Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. displayed four all-electric models along with several cutting-edge technologies, including the “battery life matching vehicle lifespan” technology. These innovations cater to various scenarios, such as urban trunk transportation, intercity travel, and high-end coach tourism, making Yutong a focal point of the event.

During the “World Bus Awards” organized by the event hosts, Yutong not only won the “Best Bus of the Year” and “Best Coach of the Year” awards but also received accolades in safety and environmental categories. Mark Van Hoof, chairman of the judging panel, noted that the continuous innovation of Chinese bus manufacturers justifies their recognition. He cited an example of a long-distance bus from Yutong, which features seats with massage and heating functions, embedded independent screens in the front seatbacks, and dedicated smartphone holders, enhancing passenger experience. “These features are something we have yet to see in Europe,” he remarked, adding that the success of Chinese companies encourages European bus manufacturers to further innovate their products.

BYD made its debut at the expo with three all-electric models, including two 12-meter electric buses and one 18-meter articulated bus, all equipped with intelligent driving assistance systems and their self-developed blade batteries known for high safety and longevity. BYD Vice President Li Ke stated that the company’s new electric buses undergo continuous technological iterations and innovations, expanding production scale and service support in Europe, thus contributing to the sustainable development of public transport. Currently, BYD has deployed over 5,000 all-electric buses across 26 countries and more than 160 cities in Europe, accumulating a total operating mileage of 650 million kilometers, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 690,000 tons.

Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. showcased four models, including large buses, high-end coaches, autonomous buses, and box trucks. The King Long autonomous bus attracted considerable attention, featuring spacious and comfortable seating along with multiple smart interactive screens, prompting visitors to stop and inquire about the technology. The company’s head of autonomous bus technology development indicated that the showcased model is equipped with an intelligent system capable of L4-level autonomous driving, able to navigate complex traffic scenarios.

In addition to vehicle displays, Chinese companies within the bus industry supply chain also garnered interest, presenting solutions for all-electric components such as batteries, motors, electronic controls, and electric drive axles, as well as products like air conditioning systems, seating, and onboard switches.