The Ministry of Transport of North Macedonia has announced a tender to procure 150 electric buses and 75 charging stations as part of the country’s efforts to modernize public transport and reduce emissions.
Under the plan, around 100 electric buses will operate in the capital, Skopje, while the remaining 50 buses will be distributed to other cities across the country.
Tender timeline and delivery schedule
Companies interested in the project must submit their bids by 30 March 2026. Once the contract is awarded, the selected supplier will be required to follow a strict delivery schedule:
- 30 electric buses and 15 charging stations within 6 months
- 60 electric buses and 30 charging stations within 12 months
- 60 electric buses and 30 charging stations within 18 months
Technical requirements
The tender sets specific technical standards for the vehicles and charging infrastructure. Each electric bus must have:
- Minimum driving range: 325 km
- Minimum battery capacity: 360 kWh
The supplier must also provide a four-year warranty for the buses and batteries and ensure the availability of spare parts for at least 10 years.
The 75 charging stations included in the tender must each provide a minimum power output of 120 kW.
Project value and goals
The contract is valued at over 3.1 billion denars (approximately €50.9 million) excluding VAT. According to the Ministry, the project reflects a strong commitment to environmental protection and improving the efficiency of public transport in Skopje and other municipalities.
Officials believe the new electric buses will not only reduce emissions but also lower long-term maintenance and energy costs, making public transport more sustainable and economically efficient.
Regional shift toward electric buses
The move also reflects a broader regional trend toward cleaner transport. In neighboring Serbia, the capital Belgrade has ordered 100 electric buses from Higer Bus Company for an upcoming international exhibition. Half of these buses will use batteries, while the other half will rely on supercapacitor technology for energy storage.
The electric bus procurement in North Macedonia forms part of a long-term strategy to transform the country’s urban transport system and strengthen sustainable mobility.
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