EV Bus Deployment at EMT Madrid
In March 2025, EMT Madrid (Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid) introduced EV buses on 40 out of approximately 250 urban routes, representing about 16% of its network. The company has been progressively advancing electrification since 2008, reaching a total of 452 electric buses in 2025, accounting for 20.41% of its fleet.
EMT Madrid
Founded in 1947, EMT Madrid is the municipal company responsible for operating public transportation services in the city of Madrid.
Source: Created by Aakel Inc. based on data from EMT Madrid
The EV buses introduced by the company in March 2025 include three models: BYD (K9UB), Solaris (Urbino 9), and Irizar (IeBUS). All three models are compatible with both plug-in charging and pantograph charging systems.
BYD K9UB (Chinese brand / Manufactured in Hungary)
Dimensions: 12,200 mm × 2,550 mm × 3,300 mm
Driving range: 450 km
Battery capacity: 422 kWh
Solaris Urbino 9 (Poland)
Dimensions: 9,270 mm × 2,450 mm × 3,300 mm
Driving range: 200 km
Battery capacity: 350 kWh
Irizar IeBUS (Spain)
Dimensions: 12,160 mm × 2,550 mm × 3,300 mm
Driving range: 400 km
Battery capacity: 430 kWh
As the deployment of EV buses expands, the development of charging infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. To address this, the company has renovated and expanded its depots, introducing facilities compatible with both pantograph and plug-in charging starting in 2023. As of February 2025, approximately 300 charging points have been installed.
Simultaneous charging of multiple buses can create electricity demand peaks, increasing grid stress and raising energy costs. To mitigate this risk, the company implemented ETRALUX’s smart charging system, which automatically optimizes charging schedules based on electricity tariffs and maximizes the use of renewable energy.
ETRALUX
Founded in 1980, ETRALUX is a Spanish company specializing in technological solutions for energy infrastructure and smart charging for EV.
The company has strong expertise in intelligent energy management systems and complex EV charging integration. It provides EMT Madrid with the smart charging platform “ELECTRA.”
ELECTRA is a software platform that leverages optimization algorithms such as peak shaving and peak shifting. It is interoperable with chargers and pantograph systems from multiple manufacturers and can be integrated with energy systems such as photovoltaic installations and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
In addition, the company launched an initiative in 2025 to reuse end-of-life EV bus batteries in stationary energy storage projects. This approach also contributes to reducing battery replacement costs.
”Madrid 360” Strategy of the City of Madrid
In 2019, the City of Madrid launched “Madrid 360,” an environmental and urban mobility strategy aimed at reducing NOx and other air pollutants while enhancing urban sustainability. The strategy combines regulation, economic incentives, and infrastructure investment in a comprehensive framework.
ZBE (Low Emission Zones)
The entire municipal area of Madrid has been designated as a ZBE. Restrictions on high-emission vehicles without environmental labels have been progressively implemented from January 1, 2022, through 2025. Vehicles registered in the city without an environmental label are granted a transitional period until December 31, 2026. In addition, two areas, Centro and Plaza Elíptica, are classified as Special Protection ZBEs. Violations within any ZBE are subject to a fine of €200 (approx. ¥34,000).
Fleet Renewal Incentives
The support scheme is called the “Plan de Ayudas Cambia 360,” with a total budget of €23.3 million (approx. ¥3.96 billion). It provides subsidies of up to €12,000 (approx. ¥2.04 million) per vehicle for the scrappage of existing buses.
EMT Madrid’s EV bus deployment is positioned within this strategic framework. It supports CO2 emission reduction and the reorganization of urban mobility, while strengthening public transport operations. The City of Madrid defines the emission reduction and urban transformation targets, and EMT Madrid acts as the operational arm responsible for implementing them within the public transport sector.
Current Status of EV Buses in Spain
The number of EV buses in Spain has been steadily increasing. In 2020, there were 297 units (7.40% market share), and by 2025 this figure had grown to 2,155 units (35.79% market share).
Source: Created by Aakel Inc. based on data from EU Database
In Spain, multiple support programs have been introduced to accelerate the deployment of EV buses, resulting in steady growth in fleet numbers. EMT Madrid leverages not only the City of Madrid’s Madrid 360 strategy, but also national support schemes implemented by the Spanish government.
MOVES
Launched in 2019 and extended until December 31, 2025. Supports the purchase of EV buses and the installation of charging infrastructure in depots.
Initial budget of €1.5 billion (approx. ¥255 billion), with an additional €400 million (approx. ¥68 billion) allocated in 2025.
Covers up to 40–50% of charging infrastructure costs for companies.
From 2024 onward, smart charging systems are mandatory for charging points with power output up to 22 kW.
Auto+ Program
Starting in January 2026 as the successor to MOVES. A budget of €400 million (approx. ¥68 billion) has been secured.
Provides additional incentives of up to €4,500 (approx. ¥715,000) for EV buses manufactured within the EU, favoring European manufacturers.
“Transformación de Flotas” Program (RD 983/2021 and RD 204/2025)
Launched in November 2021. Allocates €450 million (approx. ¥72 billion) through December 31, 2025 to support the purchase of EV buses.
Incentives range from €150,000 (approx. ¥24 million) to €200,000 (approx. ¥32 million) per vehicle, depending on company size.
Also supports depot charging infrastructure, providing €70,000 (approx. ¥11.2 million) per ultra-fast charger (≥350 kW), conditional on the purchase of a new vehicle.
Offers up to €20,000 (approx. ¥3.2 million) for retrofitting buses under 10 years old, and €25,000 (approx. ¥4 million) for scrapping older Euro V vehicles.
Real Decreto-ley 29/2021
Enacted in December 2021.
Support Measures (Incentives)
Municipalities may apply tax incentives related to the introduction of EV buses.
Up to 50% reduction in IBI (property tax) and IAE (economic activity tax).
Up to 90% reduction in taxes related to charging infrastructure installation works at operational depots.
Introduction of a self-declaration system in place of construction permits, accelerating the deployment of charging infrastructure.
Regulatory Measures (Obligations)
Mandatory development of charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles along the main road network.
Minimum power per station: 1,400 kW by 2026.
Increased to 3,500 kW per station by 2031.
Sustainable Mobility Law (Ley de Movilidad Sostenible)
Effective from December 2025. The law enables access to approximately €10 billion (approx. ¥1.6 trillion) in European funds dedicated to mobility.
Allocates €340 million (approx. ¥57.8 billion) for the purchase of EV buses and €69 million (approx. ¥11.7 billion) for charging infrastructure development across 36 municipalities.
More than 648 EV buses have already been supported. Incentives per vehicle range from €80,000 (approx. ¥13.6 million) to €260,000 (approx. ¥44.2 million), depending on vehicle size and passenger capacity.
▶︎ Sources (Click to expand)
Our Case Study: Supporting EV Bus Adoption by Bus Operators in Japan
At Aakel Inc., we provide end-to-end support for the transition to EV buses, covering transition simulations, EV vehicle and charger deployment, electrical construction, subsidy support, and charging optimization: all delivered as a single, integrated service.
In particular, through OPCAT, which we provide as a white-label solution for Chubu Electric Power, we have delivered smart EV bus charging services to multiple bus operators, with over three years of operational experience.
Press Release Reference: Chubu Electric Power × Aakel Technologies Start of OPCAT Management System services for commercial EVs
Challenge: Managing Electricity Costs When Introducing EV Buses
For bus operators, the installation of fast chargers often raises concerns about increased contracted power (kW), leading to higher electricity costs.
Solution: EV Bus Smart Charging Through Peak Shifting
To address this issue, Aakel provides the EV bus smart charging solution AAKEL eFleet, which dynamically adjusts the charging output (kW) of fast chargers every 30 minutes. This approach suppresses increases in contracted power while maintaining stable and reliable EV bus operations.
AAKEL eFleet also enables centralized management of EV buses from different manufacturers by generating state-of-charge (SoC) prediction models, even for vehicles that cannot support onboard devices or API integration. This allows customers to select EV buses freely without being tied to a specific manufacturer.
AAKEL eFleet supports a wide range of operational needs related to base charging for corporate fleets, including buses, taxis, trucks, company cars, and sales vehicles, as well as various challenges associated with EV deployment and operation.
In addition, Aakel Inc. has supported energy companies, automotive-related firms, public transport operators, and other organizations in developing new EV-related business initiatives.
Through this comprehensive solution and consulting approach, we address a wide range of corporate needs related to EVs, from commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks to company-owned fleets.
Leveraging our extensive expertise in the power and energy domain, along with our global network, we also provide research and consulting services in the mobility sector.
Understanding business opportunities for your products and technologies in overseas EV markets
Creating concise and easy-to-understand EV research reports for internal use
Exploring new EV-related business development opportunities in Japan
