Skopje (photo: Julian Hacker from Pixabay)
The Ministry of Transport of North Macedonia has launched a tender for the procurement of electric buses for urban transport. It is the first such purchase in the country. The authorities expect it to reduce air pollution, improve public transport services, and cut costs.
North Macedonia joins Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are also in the process of procuring electric buses. The country’s officials announced the move back in December 2024.
The Ministry of Transport said that it has published a public call for the procurement of 150 eco-friendly electric buses and 75 charging stations. According to the plan, 100 buses are intended for the City of Skopje, while the remaining 50 are for other local authorities in the country.
The ministry is seeking the delivery of the buses and e-chargers in three time intervals, of which the first 30 buses and 15 stations within six months. Within one year, another 60 buses and 30 stations are required, and the remaining 60 buses and 30 stations within 18 months, the call reads.
The bus range should be at least 325 kilometers
The procurement is estimated at MKD 3.1 billion (EUR 51 million).
The bus range on a single charge should be at least 325 kilometers, in line with the SORT II standard. The battery must have a minimum capacity of 360 kWh.
The supplier should provide a four-year warranty for the buses and batteries, and spare parts for ten years. Each of the 75 charging stations must have a capacity of at least 120 kW per one charger.
The deadline for submitting bids is March 30, 2026.
The main selection criterion is the price, which will be determined via an electronic auction.
Ministry: New buses also bring long-term economic viability
The procurement of eco-friendly electric buses represents a clear political commitment to environmental protection and improvement of the efficiency of public transport in Skopje and other municipalities, according to the ministry.
This long-term investment in the transport sector and public services is sending a clear message regarding the fight against air pollution and improvement of public transport quality, it explained.
The ministry said that in addition to ecological benefits, the purchase brings long-term economic viability with reduced maintenance and energy costs. The procurement is part of a strategic plan for transforming the urban transport system and increasing the efficiency of the transport network.
Croatia is in the process of procuring 206 electric buses for its cities, while BiH is buying vehicles for Sarajevo.
Last year, 60% of new city buses in the European Union were powered by electricity and hydrogen, according to Transport & Environment.
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