Sustainable Bus Award 2027 finalists announced ahead of FIAA ceremony in Madrid

The finalists for the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 have been announced, with twelve vehicles shortlisted across the Urban, Intercity and Coach categories.

The selection has been made by the international jury of the Sustainable Bus Award, composed of specialized journalists representing European trade media focused on buses, coaches and public transport.

The Sustainable Bus Award 2027 award-giving ceremony will take place during FIAA 2026, scheduled from 22 to 24 September in Madrid.

Sustainable Bus Award 2027 finalists selected in three categories

In the Urban category, the 2027 finalists are the Yutong U18, Mercedes-Benz eCitaro NMC4, ready for delivery this year (the new battery is manufactured in collaboration with Polish BMZ), Irizar ie bus Efficient, Temsa Avenue Neo (seen at Busworld last year) and Solaris Urbino 18 Hydrogen New Generation, set to integrate new module from Ballard.

The Intercity category includes three finalists: Mercedes eIntouro, Yutong IC12E (we tested it, video HERE) and BYD B12.b HF, launched in late 2025. It’s worth noticing how this year, for the first time, the whole intercity shortlist is made of electric intercity buses.

In the Coach category, the shortlisted vehicles are VDL Futura 3 presented at Busworld last year, Irizar i6 Efficient Scania PHEV, Marcopolo Paradiso G8 1200, set to debut in Europe later in 2026, and King Long C12E.

The evaluation process considers several parameters beyond emissions and energy consumption, including energy efficiency, safety systems, technological innovation, passenger comfort, digitalization, recyclability, operational suitability, environmental impact and coherence with the vehicle’s mission profile.