Powering the growth of the European zero-emission bus market
Transportation is one of the key sectors where significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved. In Europe, for instance, electric buses can lower CO2 emissions by 63% compared to diesel buses over their lifetime(1). Solaris Bus & Coach, a leading urban bus manufacturer in Europe, has partnered with a consortium of banks, including Societe Generale, to secure a EUR 700M syndicated facility aimed at consolidating its global growth.
With production, logistics and service facilities in Poland and services centers in 29 countries, Solaris Bus & Coach has delivered over 25,000 buses to 33 countries worldwide in the past 25 years. The company is successfully shifting towards electromobility, solidifying its position as a leader in Europe. To date, more than 5,000 electric driven buses and trolleybuses have been delivered or contracted, with over 90% of the current backlog consisting of low and zero-emission vehicles.
A market in full expansion
The global electric bus market is on a rapid growth trajectory. Estimated at USD 36bn in 2025, it is expected to reach approximately USD 113bn by 20342. Sales are expected to climb from 280,000 units in 2024 to over 1 million units worldwide by 20323. In Europe alone, over 49% of new city buses sold in 2024 were electric, bolstered by the EU’s ambitious target for all new urban buses to be zero-emission by 2030. This alignment with broader climate goals underscores the urgency and importance of transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions.
A collaboration between banks to foster the market growth
Early 2024, Societe Generale, as the relationship bank in Spain for CAF - Solaris Bus & Coach’s parent company, provided EUR 70M in credit lines, including overdraft facilities and bank guarantees.
This financial support, in conjunction with the EUR 700m global facility from a consortium of Polish and international banks, empowers Solaris to consolidate its growth in Europe and venture into high-potential markets in North America and inter-urban segments. By leveraging its expertise in sustainable finance and providing tailored financial solutions, Societe Generale is committed to supporting Solaris through its transition towards a low-carbon energy future.
The expertise and strong cooperation of our Societe Generale teams in France, Spain, and Poland in support of Solaris contribute to its development in Europe, illustrating our commitment and determination to support our clients in their global ambitions for ecological transition.
Andreea Parneci, Deputy Head of GTPS
1 Source: International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
2 Source : Presedence Research - Electric Bus Market Size to Hit Around USD 113.06 Billion by 2034
3 Source : Fortune Business Insights
Transportation is one of the key sectors where significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved. In...
Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The group,...
Helrom, a German rail operator, has developed an innovative train-based solution for transporting semi-trailers,...
Founded over 90 years ago, Roquette is a French family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading...
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the energy transition in Germany really gained speed. The goal? To obtain at least...