Albania and North Macedonia Launch Joint Electric Bus Fleet

Post by : Amit

A Bold Step Toward Green Regional Transit

Albania and North Macedonia have officially launched a joint cross-border electric bus fleet, marking a significant leap toward decarbonized public transport and stronger regional integration. The fleet, comprising fully electric buses tailored for intercity and international operation, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Southeast Europe that aims to serve both environmental goals and economic connectivity.

The project is part of a broader European Green Deal-aligned strategy to transition away from diesel-dependent transportation, improve air quality in border towns, and lay the foundation for interoperable, multimodal transport corridors in the Western Balkans.

Funded in part by the European Union’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and supplemented by national investments from both governments, the fleet began operations this week on routes linking Tirana, the Albanian capital, with Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and additional key cities including Elbasan and Tetovo.

The launch signals not just a shift in transport technology but also a shared political will to advance sustainable development and reduce fossil fuel reliance in a region long dependent on older diesel bus fleets and limited public transit interoperability.

Strategic Connectivity: Linking Cities, People, and Markets

The new electric bus network has been hailed as a breakthrough in regional mobility, with both countries calling it a "green bridge" between two nations with growing trade ties and increasing cross-border passenger flow. The buses are expected to reduce travel times between Tirana and Skopje by up to 20%, thanks to newly coordinated digital scheduling systems and shared e-ticketing platforms.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania, the initial rollout includes 40 electric buses capable of a 350-kilometer range on a single charge. Charging infrastructure has been simultaneously deployed at major stations in Tirana, Skopje, and intermediate hubs such as Struga and Elbasan, allowing for overnight and rapid charging capabilities.

The goal is not only to enable more efficient, cleaner travel but also to foster commercial and cultural exchanges between the two countries. "Transport is a fundamental enabler of regional cooperation," said Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana. "This fleet doesn’t just carry people; it carries a message of unity, innovation, and responsibility."

Technology, Infrastructure, and European Backing

What sets this project apart from traditional bus fleets is the integration of smart mobility technologies. Each vehicle is equipped with GPS-based tracking, real-time passenger information systems, and advanced battery management tools that allow central operators to optimize route assignments based on traffic and passenger density.

The fleet was developed in partnership with EkoMotion, a European manufacturer specializing in zero-emissions intercity buses, and the electric drivetrains were co-developed with a Croatian Tier 2 supplier that specializes in high-efficiency powertrains for hilly terrains—particularly suitable for Balkan topographies.

Charging infrastructure was financed through a mix of public-private partnerships. Key hardware such as fast chargers and grid connectors were sourced from German and Dutch manufacturers, while local firms from Albania and North Macedonia handled installation and servicing. In parallel, the two nations have established a joint Smart Transport Task Force to manage route planning, interoperability standards, and long-term maintenance strategies.

The project received strong support from the European Union, with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, stating: "This initiative exemplifies the type of sustainable, forward-looking investments we are proud to support. It ties directly into our climate goals and fosters regional peace and prosperity."

Real-World Benefits for Passengers and Rural Communities

The electric buses aren’t just environmentally friendly—they are also designed for comfort and accessibility. With low-floor entry, wheelchair ramps, Wi-Fi connectivity, and quiet, vibration-free motors, the buses represent a substantial upgrade from the decades-old diesel models that previously dominated regional routes.

For rural communities, particularly in underdeveloped parts of both countries, the new fleet offers more frequent, reliable service. Passengers in towns such as Kicevo, Pogradec, and Librazhd now have direct, scheduled access to major city centers—a first in many areas.

The social benefits are equally notable. In villages where youth emigration is high and public services scarce, the availability of reliable, clean transportation is seen as a step toward revitalization. "We’ve already seen increased footfall at local markets and higher school attendance since service began," said Elena Petrovska, head of Skopje’s Municipal Transport Authority. "Connectivity changes lives in subtle but profound ways."

Economic Impact and Supplier Participation

While the environmental and social benefits are immediate, the project also carries significant economic implications. Both Albania and North Macedonia tapped into local and regional suppliers to support the fleet deployment, offering a boost to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specializing in electric components, software integration, and logistics.

Over 20 Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers were contracted across the two countries. These included providers of vehicle telematics, insulation materials, lightweight interiors, and LED lighting systems. By embedding local firms into the project supply chain, the governments have also opened the door for future innovation and upskilling in the EV ecosystem.

"Participating in this fleet has enabled us to train a new generation of electric bus maintenance staff," said Drin Hoxha, CEO of a Tirana-based supplier that manufactured seating systems for the buses. "It’s not just a procurement win—it’s a capacity-building journey."

From Bilateral Project to Regional Blueprint

With early success already visible, officials from both countries have begun discussing the next phases of expansion, which may include routes connecting Albania and North Macedonia with Kosovo, Montenegro, and even northern Greece.

The broader aim is to create a pan-Balkan electric transport corridor, positioning the region as a model of post-carbon transition in public mobility. Talks are underway with the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for additional financing.

"The electric bus fleet is just the beginning," said Artan Grubi, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia. "We envision a fully integrated, smart transport network that reflects the values of cooperation, sustainability, and European integration."

In parallel, there are discussions about integrating the bus network with regional Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms. By enabling app-based trip planning, multimodal ticketing, and cross-border commuter discounts, the project hopes to make public transport not only greener but more attractive and user-friendly for all demographics.

A Model for Other Emerging Regions

As cities and governments across the Global South watch closely, the Albania–North Macedonia project offers a blueprint for how emerging economies can leapfrog older technologies and build forward-compatible, climate-smart infrastructure.

By starting small, leveraging EU funds, and working together across borders, these two countries have turned a regional challenge—aging diesel fleets, poor connectivity, and urban-rural imbalance—into an opportunity for transformation.

Urban transport experts from UNECE and UITP have already cited the initiative as a case study in best practices for green transition planning, particularly in lower-income regions with aspirations for EU membership or closer integration with European markets.

More Than Just Buses

The joint electric bus fleet launched by Albania and North Macedonia is more than a transport project—it’s a symbol of regional progress, a tool for economic development, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. It proves that even in areas where resources are constrained, vision, collaboration, and careful planning can produce world-class infrastructure that benefits people today and builds resilience for tomorrow.

As more countries explore how to decarbonize transport, strengthen bilateral ties, and localize economic development, this Balkan project could light the way forward—not just for Europe, but for regions around the globe seeking cleaner, smarter, more connected futures.

North America, Albania, Bus