BLOG: The EU's strict climate targets are electrifying urban transport – what do these changes mean?

Electrified public transport is no longer the future – it’s already here. But how do we prepare for this massive shift? I set out to explore what electrification practically means for different modes of transport, and the challenges and opportunities it brings for manufacturers in the machinery industry.

Electric buses leading the way – where will you be in 2035?
Electric buses play a central role in the electrification of public transport. According to forecasts, the share of electric buses in new bus sales across the EU is expected to grow to 25% by 2030 and even 50% by 2035. This shift is driven by the EU’s emissions regulations and cities’ ambitions to make transportation cleaner. This means that the vehicle fleet will undergo significant renewal in the coming years.

While buses are at the forefront of this development, electric trams are also a crucial part of the transition. Modern trams consume less energy, leverage advanced energy recovery systems, and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. In Finland, for example, the trams in Tampere and Helsinki are examples of more sustainable public transport, where electrification and modern technologies create cleaner and more energy-efficient solutions.

This progress puts enormous pressure on machinery manufacturers to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient wire harness and cable solutions, which are critical for the operation of electric vehicles. The need for innovative components is rising, and suppliers must be able to scale production and deliver solutions that withstand extreme conditions.

Infrastructure must be ready – without charging networks, vehicles stay at the stop
Electrification is not just about replacing combustion engine vehicles with electric versions. Infrastructure development is key to making public transport electrification effective. Charging networks and efficient battery technologies are essential for the success of electric public transport solutions – without them, large-scale adoption will be significantly slowed. When I reflect on our own services, we see continuous growth in areas like electric vehicle charging solutions, where our busbar business supports both modernization and new construction with modular busbar systems.

Electricity doesn’t (yet) travel through the air – cables keep you moving
Even though wireless technology is the trend of the day, electricity still travels through cables. In public transport electrification, this makes components like wire harnesses and cable systems more critical than ever. Manufacturers must ensure their solutions can endure constant use in demanding environments. This requires investment in sustainable development and innovations, such as biopolymer-based materials. For example, our latest innovation, a corn-based biopolymer, offers the same properties as fossil-based TPU variants but with a smaller environmental footprint. In these circumstances, only reliable and durable components can ensure smooth and safe electrification that lasts for years of intensive use.

Supporting you through global change
The electrification of public transport involves massive changes, and their success requires precise planning and technical expertise. Manufacturers, including wire harness and cable suppliers like us, play a critical role as the new vehicle fleet demands increasingly innovative components that can withstand tough conditions and support cleaner public transport.

At LAPP, we are part of this transition, supporting machinery manufacturers through the process. Our deep understanding of the technical challenges brought by electrification allows us to offer solutions that ensure smooth and sustainable development.

Contact us to leverage our expertise and ensure you're ready for the challenges of the future – together, we can navigate towards a more sustainable world.

Author: Päivi Mahlamäki-Salminen, Sales Manager at Lapp Connecto.
Reach out to Päivi for more information on our electrification services!