Local time on October 9, CGTN, the international news arm of China Media Group, aired a special report on China-EU trade ties, highlighting how Chinese electric vehicle technologies are helping Europe advance its net-zero targets. As a leading Chinese bus brand with a long-standing footprint in the European market, Higer Bus featured prominently in the programme. Using Higer's electric buses as a case study, the correspondent showcased to a global audience the solutions delivered by Chinese bus manufacturers for Europe's public transport electrification drive.
The report noted that large buses have emerged as a major growth segment across Europe. Driven by the EU's push to electrify urban public transport, Europe's electric bus market is valued at between USD 4 billion and USD 7 billion annually, the second-largest worldwide after China. The bloc aims to roll out 100% electric buses in urban centres by 2028. The next frontier will be electrifying intercity coaches, a transition hinging on high-capacity batteries with extended driving ranges.
Reporting live from FIAA 2026, the 16th edition of Spain's International Bus Exhibition in Madrid, the correspondent pointed to the FENCER f6 all-electric intercity coach displayed by Higer: "The EU is on track to achieve fully electric bus fleets in city centres by 2028. The next challenge is electrifying intercity coaches, which calls for improved batteries with longer range. Take this Higer bus behind me, for example — it can travel 600 kilometres on a single charge."
Higer showcased four products at FIAA 2026, held from 22 to 24 September: its flagship New V-Series V13, the Azure 9 electric city bus, the FENCER f6 all-electric intercity bus, and the F1 electric bus chassis. The brand's booth drew visits from more than 100 European media outlets and industry clients, standing out as a highlight on the show's opening day.
Europe faces inadequate charging infrastructure for intercity passenger services. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), intercity and touring coaches across Europe will require nearly 30,000 charging sessions per day by 2030, around 98% of which will take place off major arterial roads. The V13 is available with flexible diesel and electric powertrain options. The Azure 9 and FENCER lineups are custom-engineered for European operating conditions, delivering full-spectrum solutions for urban bus electrification covering complete vehicles and standalone chassis.
"Europe sets the benchmark for the premium bus market, with stringent requirements for safety, after-sales support and total cost of ownership. Meeting these high standards is critical to our own growth and continuous improvement," said George Zhang, Deputy Director of Higer Bus Overseas Sales Company, in an interview with CGTN on the exhibition's opening day.
Higer's products are now operating in over 30 European countries and regions, with new-energy models accounting for more than 80% of its local sales. The brand is accelerating its European roadmap, expanding from vehicle exports to localised service networks.
Chinese bus exporters have evolved beyond merely shipping finished vehicles, integrating their technologies, standards and service capabilities deep into Europe's green mobility ecosystem. As Chinese smart manufacturing shifts from a follower to a pioneer, its story is defined not just by export figures, but by its ability to shape the future of global mobility. Grounded in technology, service and quality, Higer Bus will continue collaborating with global partners to build a sustainable, low-carbon future.
