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

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Integration of the results of the demonstrations in regular operation of passenger transport operators, in long distance operations. Accelerated replication of this integration, beyond original demo partners, using specific recommendations and sharing of best practices
• Reliable operation of long distance zero emission buses and coaches in the EU.
• Improved comfort and inter-modality for long distance people mobility services.
• Demonstrated innovative zero emission solutions for long distance people mobility in a holistic approach taking net congestions challenges and charging solutions into account.

Scope:

Zero emission buses for urban and sub-urban use are successfully implemented in Europe. This has addressed the need to improve air quality, reduce noise and innovate people mobility. Yet there are limitations due to range, vehicle weight and available charging infrastructure to further extend zero emission vehicles in more energy demanding long-distance (ranging from regional, national to transnational) people mobility that needs to be addressed. There is a need to further develop zero-emission solutions where vehicle weight and energy demand are challenges. Proposed actions are expected to address all of the following aspects:

• Develop sustainable and affordable, long-distance zero emission people mobility solutions for different areas and regions with new and viable business cases based on new operation models and smart management of fleets and of coaches and buses.
• Test and apply concepts, tools and models with direct involvement of European bus/coach providers and operators to speed up deployment. Include the transition from long-distance to urban, in intermodal hubs and with park-and ride.
• Demonstrate using at least 5 coaches and buses in several operational routes in the EU and/or in corridors segments in different Member States and/or Associated Countries, focussing on long-distance operation patterns (average ≥500 km in extra-urban scenarios, in one or more routing).
• Demonstrations must cover aspects such as planning, optimised charging/refuelling schedules, passenger experience, driving time regulations, cross-border trips, charging solutions and impacts on the grid. Replication, recommendations and sharing of best practices shall be part of the demonstrations, as well as the development of new business models and the analysis of remaining legal barriers.
• Develop shared charging solutions that can be used for multiple operators and other vehicle types. Both technical and operational issues must be addressed, as well as “rush hour” at charging stations, balancing demand and supply of energy. The use of charging solutions and shared charging hubs by a variety of mobility and transport operators must be explored, also incorporating seasonal effects and operational demands.
• Based on user needs, develop flexibility in interior design to enhance travel comfort, safety and user experience, thus aiming at making it more appealing and inclusive to use this mode of transport.
• Leverage on other 2Zero projects related to Buses and HDV should be considered. [1]

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7-8 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.

[1] Ref Examples are projects funded under CL5-2022-D5-01-10 and CL5-2022-D5-01-08

Submissions open on 15 December 2026.

Part of call HORIZON-CL5-2027-03

Type of action: HORIZON Innovation Actions

Programme period: 2021 - 2027

Priorities: PART-COPROGR, AI, DigitalAgenda

"> General conditions

1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout

described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.

2. Eligible Countries

described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .

3. Other Eligible Conditions

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).

In line with the “ restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas ” delineated in General Annex B of the General Annexes, entities established in an eligible country but which are directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.

described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion

described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds

are described in