Agenda
- 12:45
ZEB x Safety
Safety Aspects and Insurance Related to Charging of Electric Buses
This session will explore safety and insurance challenges linked to electric bus charging, with a focus on how to allocate risk effectively between public transport authorities (PTAs) and operators (PTOs).
A panel discussion, moderated by Sanne van Breukelen from Cenex Nederland, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- DAFO Vehicle will explore the unique risks of battery electric vehicles – not necessarily greater, but fundamentally different, breaking down how lithium-ion batteries are built, how thermal events can occur, and what makes buses particularly vulnerable.
- Transport for London will share insights from managing one of the world’s largest electric bus fleets in managing risk and Insurance related to charging of battery electric buses.
Team Lead Transport & Mobility, Cenex
- 16:15
ZEB x Digital Mobility Solutions
Software to Steer Smart Energy Management Systems & Charging Strategies
This session will explore innovative software solutions for optimising smart energy and EV charging management systems, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and supporting long-term sustainability.
Ghent University and Flanders Make will present a web-based tool designed to forecast realistic charging costs. The platform supports cost comparisons and optimisation for different infrastructure choices and electricity providers.
Transdev will share insights from operating one of Europe’s largest e-bus depots, highlighting how a new data- and software-driven approach is essential for effective and scalable electric bus operations.
A panel discussion, moderated by Cedric De Cauwer from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- RATP Group will outline its new approach to smart charging journey, which aims to cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and contribute to grid balancing while addressing future challenges like battery lifespan and system integration.
- Zenobē will contribute perspectives on flexible energy systems and financing models that enable smart charging at scale.
- Siemens will share how its integrated software and infrastructure solutions are helping operators optimise charging strategies and energy usage across their networks.
- 17:55
ZEB x Future of Coach
Decarbonizing Long Haul & Interurban Routes: Status on the Energy Transition in Operations >300km
This session will explore innovative software solutions for optimising smart energy and EV charging management systems, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and supporting long-term sustainability.
VIVES University and IRU will explore the future fuels powering touring coaches, examining options across the full lifecycle—from production to end-of-life—and how energy providers are preparing the rollout of alternative fuel infrastructure.
CharIN will present its role in the European-funded Megawatt Charging System (MCS) project, outlining the project’s objectives and sharing initial results on advancing high-capacity charging for heavy-duty vehicles.
A panel discussion, moderated by Max Mollière from Transport and Environment, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives from across the sector.
- 10:30
Shaping the Future: Zero Emission Bus Market Trends and Policy Support
This session will explore the current status of the ZEB sector in relation to European and national targets, highlighting effective strategies for fleet transitions, examining EU policies that support bus decarbonisation, and assessing the progress of ZEB deployment against established EU benchmarks.
The Busworld Foundation will officially open the ZEB Conference 2025, welcoming all speakers and participants to the 6th edition.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) will outline current EU policies driving bus fleet decarbonisation and explore what’s next on the policy agenda.
SympH2ony, a joint venture between Messer and Toyota Tsusho, will introduce its “one-stop-shop” for a smooth transition to hydrogen fleets.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) will dive into the driving forces behind what has led the rapid deployment of ZEBs across Europe, how it may continue to develop as CO2 standards come into effect in 2025 for the sector, and any threats facing Europe’s bus manufacturers as the transition continue.
ERM will tackle a complex question: Which European local bus routes will be challenging to decarbonise with battery electric? The case study explores the cheapest options for these routes, at what price green hydrogen might be competitive, and why decisions might be more complex than cost.
Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission
Researcher, International Council on Clean Transportation
Managing Technical Consultant, ERM
- 12:15
Optimising Zero Emission Bus Operations: Leveraging Data and AI
This session will explore the latest developments in data and AI aimed at optimising ZEB operations, with a focus on maintaining reliability, resilience, and affordability.
Qbuzz will share its experience navigating the complexities of operating largefleets of battery-electric buses, highlighting the integration of smart operational management software, real-time analysis to oversee operations, and tools to proactively address incidents. The session will explore how to prepare for this transition and how it can reshape roles and processes across an entire organisation.
A panel discussion, moderated by Sanne van Breukelen from Cenex Nederland, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- WideSense will present insights into fuel cell system performance, lifespan analyses, and ongoing research into powertrain optimisation.
- Volytica Diagnostics will share lessons learned from real-world fleet operations and explore the role of continuous battery monitoring in ensuring safe and reliable public transport.
Strategic Program Director, QBuzz
Team Lead Transport & Mobility, Cenex
CEO, WideSense
CEO & Founder, Volytica Diagnostics
- 12:15
Evolution of CAPEX and OPEX for Zero Emission Buses: Outlook and Strategies
This session will explore recent developments in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for both BEBs and FCBs, along with projections of cost trends in the ZEB sector, supported by concrete economic data from operators.
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), joined my a US transit agency, will present the state of the ZEB market in the US, offering international context.
A panel discussion, moderated by Tim Howgego from ERM, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) will share insights from its deployment of both battery-electric and fuel cell buses, offering an Iberian view on how the TCO of ZEBs is evolving in practice.
- Arriva Ltd will draw from over a decade of knowledge and expertise in operating and maintaining ZEBs, using real world data that enables it to calculate total cost of ownership models for different bus manufacturers, routes and operational conditions.
Managing Technical Consultant, ERM
- 16:30
Organisational Change and Real-World Performance of Zero Emission Buses
This session will provide insights into BEB and FCB performance, drawing from operational experience. It will include test statistics, analysis of performance metrics, and key considerations that support strategic decision-making in ZEB selection.
Ruter and Unibuss will open the session with a joint case study on Oslo’s transition to zero-emission buses and boats. They will highlight key lessons from the rollout and share the latest operational insights, particularly from running services through extreme winter conditions.
ERM will present takeaways from the recently concluded JIVE and JIVE 2 projects—two flagship European initiatives that supported the deployment of 290 fuel cell buses across six countries. This session will summarise key learnings from daily operations and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, providing a overview of what it takes to scale up fuel cell bus fleets.
Ballard and WSW (Wuppertaler Stadtwerke) will offer a joint presentation combining manufacturer and operator perspectives. Ballard will share global deployment trends and technical lessons from recent European projects, while WSW will present a case study from Wuppertal—covering implementation, daily operations, and practical guidance for new adopters of fuel cell technology.
UNVI will introduce its electric double-decker sightseeing buses, manufactured in Europe to support the growing demand for sustainable urban tourism.
(35 min break)
A panel discussion, moderated by David Barnett from Translink, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives – although all with experience in deploying electric and fuel cell buses:
- EMT Madrid will bring its extensive experience in zero-emission bus operations, demonstrating how strategic organisational change can enable sustainable urban mobility to the discussion. Through a data-driven approach, it monitors fleet performance while supporting the transition with staff training, depot upgrades, and restructured maintenance operations.
- The Go-Ahead Group will explore ZEB performance across its UK fleets outside London, sharing how it monitors and manages operational performance, and the lessons learned from deploying and scaling ZEBs in regional contexts.
Manager Vehicles & Depots, Ruter
Senior Consultant, ERM
Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, Ballard Power Systems
Technical Director, WSW (Wuppertaler Stadtwerke)
General Manager Engineering, Translink
Deputy Director for Operation Centres, Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid (EMT Madrid)
Managing Director of Bus, The Go-Ahead Group
- 10:30
Delivering Reliable Hydrogen Refueling: A Handbook from Planning to Operation
This session offers practical guidance on the planning and construction of HRS, covering key phases such as time-to-market, tendering, procurement, and planning. It will also address considerations for ongoing operations, including aftersales support, design factors, and asset ownership models.
Air Products will present a case study presentation on its liquid HRS in Crawley, UK, sharing successes and learnings from the first year of operation.
ERM will examine why HRS reliability continues to be a challenge and present four key principles to improve dependability and long-term performance.
RVK (Regionalverkehr Köln) will draw on operational experience to explore HRS design concepts and strategies for achieving high station availability, supporting the large-scale deployment of hydrogen buses.
A panel discussion, moderated by Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- OBGD (OV-bureau Groningen Drenthe) will share practical lessons from operating fuel cell buses and HRS infrstructure, including contracts and incentives, and solutions to ease operations.
Product Manager Hydrogen for Mobility Europe & Africa, Air Products
Team Leader Plant Technology, Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH
Policy Advisor, OV-bureau Groningen Drenthe
- 10:30
Charging Ahead: Exploring Opportunity vs Fixed Charging Infrastructure for Electric Buses
This session will provide insights into the latest developments in opportunity and fixed charging infrastructure, with a focus on charger siting and forward planning to optimise infrastructure deployment and maximise the use of existing facilities.
Siemens e-Mobility will present its solutions to support the electrification of bus fleets and the infrastructure needed to power them.
A panel discussion will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- Vervoerregio Amsterdam will share insights on how it realised a zero-emission fleet in 2018, and how those lessons continue to inform new projects and shape future strategy.
- JEMA ENERGY will discuss how it is responding to evolving market needs by adapting its solutions to meet the specific requirements of each client and project.
Team Coordinator & Program Manager, Vervoerregio Amsterdam
- 12:30
Navigating Battery Degradation, Safety, and End-of-Life Management
This session will explore the full lifecycle management of batteries, from operation to end-of-life, addressing key challenges such as degradation, safety, and disposal. It will offer insights into effective strategies for ensuring performance and sustainability throughout the battery’s lifespan.
Microvast will present how battery efficiency can be increased, ownership costs can be reduced, and the adoption of clean energy can be accelerated.
Connected Energy will explore second-life opportunities for EV batteries, showing how repurposing can reduce TCO, enhance residual value, and create new revenue streams through energy storage.
A panel discussion, moderated by Daisy Tyrer from ERM, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- Groupe Keolis will highlight how ZEB specifications aligned with PTA/PTO expectations are central to delivering technically and economically efficient public transport systems.
- Transport for London will share insights from managing one of the world’s largest electric bus fleets, focusing on battery performance, safety, and planning for second life and end-of-life considerations.
Chief Operating Officer, Connected Energy
Director, Keolis
- 14:45
Servicing and Maintaining Zero Emission Bus Ecosystems
This session will provide an in-depth analysis of ZEB maintenance strategies, comparing external and internal approaches. Topics will include maintenance costs, spare parts availability, the true cost of OEM aftersales support, safety considerations, and the complexities of managing multiple vehicle technologies and infrastructure.
A panel discussion, moderated by Riccardo Schiavo from Sustainable Bus, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- STIB-MIVB will present its maintenance strategy for zero-emission bus operations, addressing the growing complexity and interdependence of modern systems, as well as outlining how STIB defines specific strategies to ensure optimal performance and reliability across its fleet.
Editor, Sustainable Bus
Program Manager, STIB
- 14:45
Financing the Transition To Zero Emission Buses
This session will examine the financial implications of transitioning to ZEB fleets, offering strategies and insights for building a strong business case. It will focus on how to manage the shift efficiently and sustainably, balancing upfront investment with long-term value.
EMT Madrid, a forerunner in financing fleet decarbonisation, will share how it has leveraged funding approaches to improve mobility services and drive continued innovation for the benefit of Madrid’s residents and visitors.
A panel discussion, moderated by Luca Poggi from Transport & Environment, will deepen the conversation with a range of perspectives:
- CINEA will outline how it is financially supporting the energy transition of transport sector and heading towards climate neutrality by 2050.
Data Analyst, Transport & Environment
Head of Alternative Fuels Sector, CINEA - European Commission
- 16:15
The Future of Manufacturing Zero Emission Buses in Europe
This session will explore the future of ZEB manufacturing in Europe, addressing supply chain challenges and identifying opportunities to strengthen sustainable and competitive production of batteries and zero-emission buses across the region.
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) will dive into its assessment of the future of zero-emission buses “Made in Europe”.
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership will contribute insights on how Europe can scale up hydrogen technologies to support domestic manufacturing and industrial resilience in line with the Clean Industrial Deal.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) will deliver the ZEB Conference 2025 closing keynote, reflecting on how transport decarbonisation supports the EU’s broader climate goals.
ERM will close the conference with a summary of key takeaways and conclusions from ZEB 2025.
Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer, ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association)
Speakers
Program Manager, STIB
General Manager Engineering, Translink
Team Leader Plant Technology, Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH
CEO, WideSense
Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, Ballard Power Systems
Managing Director of Bus, The Go-Ahead Group
Deputy Director for Operation Centres, Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid (EMT Madrid)
Manager Vehicles & Depots, Ruter
Researcher, International Council on Clean Transportation
CEO & Founder, Volytica Diagnostics
Technical Director, WSW (Wuppertaler Stadtwerke)
Chief Operating Officer, Connected Energy
Head of Alternative Fuels Sector, CINEA - European Commission
Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer, ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association)
Product Manager Hydrogen for Mobility Europe & Africa, Air Products
Senior Consultant, ERM
Researcher, VIVES University of Applied Sciences
Zero Emission Institute Director, Arriva Ltd
Road Freight Researcher, Transport & Environment
Team Lead Transport & Mobility, Cenex
Director, Keolis
Team Coordinator & Program Manager, Vervoerregio Amsterdam
Editor, Sustainable Bus
Policy Advisor, OV-bureau Groningen Drenthe
Data Analyst, Transport & Environment
Managing Technical Consultant, ERM
Strategic Program Director, QBuzz
Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission