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

The EU funding call is aimed at companies and public institutions across Europe that wish to jointly test emission-free long-distance bus and coach solutions in a consortium of at least three independent partners from EU member states or associated countries. The goal is the demonstration and market introduction of long-term operational zero-emission long-distance buses and coaches to sustainably improve range, vehicle weight, charging infrastructure, fleet management, user comfort, and cross-border traffic. Eligible costs include personnel, material and equipment costs, travel expenses, as well as subcontractor services. Ineligible are real estate acquisitions, retroactive costs, and debt settlement. The maximum funding amount is €13.5 million with a funding rate of up to 70%. Eligible applicants are European passenger transport and bus operators, manufacturers, as well as public transport authorities aiming to realize emission-free long-distance travel over 500 km.

The project is part of the co-programmed partnership 2ZERO “Towards zero emission road transport.” Submissions require a valid registration in the EU Participant Register (PIC) and the involvement of bus/coach providers as well as public procurers. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, sustainability aspects, and relevance to the target group. The project outline must contain a detailed project description, financing plan, CVs of key personnel, and current balance sheets or annual reports. The submission deadline runs from 15.12.2026 until 14.04.2027, 17:00 Brussels time. Interested consortia thus receive the unique opportunity to develop cross-border zero-emission transport solutions ready for the market and contribute to the transport transition in Europe.