The partnership with CRRC, roadmap, market challenges: our interview with CaetanoBus CCO Nuno Lago de Carvalho

After a few years without releasing major updates about its projects—while continuing deliveries, albeit at a more limited pace—CaetanoBus is now entering a new phase of industrial and product development. In 2024, the Portuguese manufacturer produced around 400 units and expects to exceed 500 by 2025, with a portfolio that includes 8.5, 12, and 18-metre battery-electric and hydrogen-powered models for city, airport, and intercity applications. What’s new? Well: the new generation e-buses by the Portuguese brand are produced in cooperation with Chinese CRRC, as announced at UITP Summit 2025.

According to third party data by DVV Media Group, CaetanoBus has registered 189 battery-electric buses until end 2024. However, the company registered 31 fuel cell buses last year for a 8% market share (behind Solaris and Wrightbus). Until end 2024, the volume of H2 deliveries by CaetanoBus is 105, for a 11 percent market share, in fourth position in the European market behind Solaris, Wrightbus and the bankrupt Van Hool.

In this interview held at UITP Summit 2025, Nuno Lago de Carvalho, Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Committee Member at CaetanoBus, outlines the company’s production outlook, the scope of the partnership with CRRC, and the key technological features of the new platform. He also discusses the approach to after-sales support, the status of homologation processes, and announces the upcoming launch of an electric coach at Busworld 2025.

Nuno Lago de Carvalho: CaetanoBus’ recovery is underway

Can you provide some figures about CaetanoBus’ performance last year and your expectations for 2025?

Since Covid in 2020, 2021 was our lowest point. Now we’ve been recovering steadily. In 2024, we produced around 400 units. This year, we aim to exceed that number. With our portfolio now including 8.5, 12, and 18-metre battery electric and hydrogen models, we expect to surpass 500 units by next year.

Can you break down the 400 units by segment?

Approximately 100 city buses, mainly hydrogen-powered, 120 coaches, and around 200 Cobus airport buses.

You announced a cooperation with CRRC. Which is the nature of this partnership?

This is a technology integration partnership. We use CRRC’s platform but develop and design the buses ourselves. We began collaborating at the end of 2023 and have already launched the 18-metre BRT hydrogen bus.

The scope of the cooperation CaetanoBus – CRRC

So, if I intend it correctly, it’s a full Caetano product, with Caetano logo only. Basically you buy chassis and powertrain from CRRC and you build your product…

We are working hands on by developing the market together in Europe, it’s not just buying and selling. We have a cooperation agreement very well defined and we are also supporting CRRC to gain recognition in in Europe.

Is CaetanoBus the exclusive partner for CRRC?

Not exclusive, but only we use this specific design, which is proprietary to CaetanoBus.

What is the production timeline for the new range?

The 18-metre models (BEV and FCEV) and 8.5-metre BEV are already in mass production. The 12-metre versions will begin deliveries in early 2026, although BEV versions will be delivered to Porto in the coming months.

Do all three models support both battery and hydrogen?

No, the 8.5-metre model is battery-only.

Are all models homologated?

Homologation is nearing completion. At Busworld we will show the 12 and 18-meter in fuel cell version, plus the BEV 8.5-meter. They all be in mass production by then.

What are the key technological advancements?

The standout is the 6-in-1 inverter by CRRC, which integrates all major energy management functions. It improves efficiency and simplifies after-sales operations.

Who handles after-sales and customer support?

CaetanoBus remains the customer-facing entity. CRRC is a subcontractor. All support, training, and after-sales services are managed by us.

Where will production take place?

Fuel cell buses will be completely system integrated in Portugal, while for the other versions it’ll be depending on the the tender conditions, because we know that sometimes timing for delivery are so squeezed that we can leverage the opportunity of working together with CRRC within a strategic partnership.

Is hydrogen still a core focus for CaetanoBus?

Absolutely. While battery-electric remains the largest market (but also filled with competition), we aim to stay among the top three fuel cell bus manufacturers in Europe, working closely with Toyota.

Have any other exciting projects in the in the pipeline, maybe on the coach side?

Yes, we are actually preparing the launch of an electric coach at Busworld, in partnership with another OEM that i cannot disclose right now. But details will be out soon.