Demonstration of zero emission coaches and buses in long distance operations (2ZERO Partnership)

The Horizon Europe program is offering a funding call under the title "Demonstration of Zero Emission Coaches and Buses in Long Distance Operations" as part of the 2ZERO Partnership. It will open for submissions on December 15, 2026, and the deadline for applications is April 14, 2027, at 17:00 Brussels time. This opportunity targets projects focused on demonstrating sustainable and effective zero-emission solutions for long-distance passenger transport. Eligible applicant types include public and private research organizations, higher education institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology providers, public authorities, and non-profit organizations involved in research and innovation. The call particularly emphasizes the participation of European bus and coach providers and operators to foster the adoption of zero-emission technology. The funding type is primarily a grant under the HORIZON Innovation Actions framework, specifically geared toward projects that have market deployment goals. The expected funding amount for this project is €13,500,000, with a single grant anticipated to be awarded. The general requirement for applicants is to form a consortium of multiple entities from different Member States or Associated Countries, promoting collaboration across borders. The project scope includes long-distance operations, requiring demonstrable deployment of at least five coaches or buses across several routes, with emphasis on integration with regular transport services, optimized charging solutions, and user experience enhancements. Applications must address various operational challenges, including route planning, charging infrastructure, and business model development. The call for proposals highlights the need for co-funding, which is not explicitly mandated but is encouraged, particularly from private sector participants. The application process follows a single-stage submission format, where complete proposals are submitted directly. The expected outcomes include the successful operational demonstration of zero-emission buses and coaches, improved user experiences, and innovative solutions that integrate into existing transport systems, contributing to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal. The funding is designed to catalyze solutions that might lead to commercial uptake, addressing existing barriers such as vehicle weight and charging infrastructure. Overall, this initiative represents a strategic commitment by the EU to decarbonize transportation, create competitive advantages in sustainable mobility markets, and pave the way for large-scale market deployment of innovative transport solutions.

The Horizon Europe program is offering funding opportunities under the call MOBILITY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-03) for projects focusing on the demonstration of zero-emission coaches and buses in long-distance operations, as part of the 2ZERO Partnership. These are HORIZON Innovation Actions. The planned opening date for submissions is December 15, 2026, with a deadline of April 14, 2027, at 17:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of these projects include:

Integration of demonstration results into regular passenger transport operations, especially in long-distance scenarios.

Accelerated adoption of these integrations beyond the initial demo partners through recommendations and best practice sharing.

Reliable operation of long-distance zero-emission buses and coaches across the EU.

Improved comfort and inter-modality for long-distance people mobility services.

Demonstration of innovative zero-emission solutions for long-distance people mobility, addressing congestion and charging challenges holistically.

The scope of the projects should address the following aspects:

Developing sustainable and affordable long-distance zero-emission mobility solutions with viable business cases.

Testing and applying relevant concepts, tools, and models with the involvement of European bus/coach providers and operators.

Demonstrating the use of at least 5 coaches and buses on operational routes within the EU and associated countries, focusing on long-distance operation patterns (average of 500 km or more in extra-urban settings).

Demonstrations should cover planning, optimized charging/refueling, passenger experience, driving time regulations, cross-border trips, charging infrastructure, and grid impacts.

Developing shared charging solutions for multiple operators and vehicle types, addressing technical and operational issues, including peak demand management.

Based on user needs, develop flexibility in interior design to enhance travel comfort, safety and user experience.

Leveraging other 2Zero projects related to Buses and HDV should be considered.

The program implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO), requiring projects to report results to support the monitoring of its KPIs.

General conditions for admissibility include:

Proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.

Eligible countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific provisions may apply to non-EU/non-associated countries.

Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and timing data.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Evaluation and award criteria, submission and evaluation processes, and indicative timelines as described in Annex D and Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

Legal and financial setup of the grants, including potential objections to transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results within 4 years after the action's end, as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific conditions:Not applicable.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA):

Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the standard application form (HE RIA, IA).

Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including the standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA).

Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide.

Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include HE MGA and HE Unit MGA.

Call-specific instructions:Not applicable.

Additional documents:

HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction

HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility

HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes

HE Programme Guide

HE Framework Programme 2021/695

HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764

EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509

Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme

Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment

EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement

Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual

Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions

Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

Budget overview for the HORIZON-CL5-2027-03 call:

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €24,000,000, Contributions 5,000,000 to €7,000,000, Indicative number of grants 4

HORIZON-CL5:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €13,500,000, Contributions around €13,500,000, Indicative number of grants 1

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-05:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €16,000,000, Contributions around €8,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-06:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €8,000,000, Contributions around €8,000,000, Indicative number of grants 1

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-08:HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget €5,000,000, Contributions around €2,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-14:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €6,500,000, Contributions around €6,500,000, Indicative number of grants 1

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-15:HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget €2,000,000, Contributions around €2,000,000, Indicative number of grants 1

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-16:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €15,000,000, Contributions around €7,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-17:HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget €14,000,000, Contributions around €7,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18:HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget €20,000,000, Contributions around €10,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-20:HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget €7,000,000, Contributions around €3,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2

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The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header.

Support and guidance resources include:

Online Manual

Horizon Europe Programme Guide

Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ

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In summary, this Horizon Europe call focuses on advancing zero-emission solutions for long-distance passenger transport by buses and coaches. It seeks to address current limitations in range, vehicle weight, and charging infrastructure through innovative projects that demonstrate sustainable and affordable mobility solutions. The call encourages collaboration among European bus/coach providers and operators, emphasizes the importance of shared charging infrastructure, and aims to improve the overall passenger experience while contributing to the goals of the 2ZERO Partnership. Funding is available for both Innovation Actions and Research and Innovation Actions, with a single-stage submission process and a deadline in April 2027. The program aims to integrate demonstration results into regular operations, accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, and improve the comfort and inter-modality of long-distance travel.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated but can be inferred to include entities capable of conducting research and innovation actions, innovation actions, and coordination and support actions. This likely encompasses a range of organizations such as universities, research institutions, SMEs, large enterprises, and other relevant entities from eligible countries. The call is specifically targeted towards European bus/coach providers and operators.

Funding Type:The primary funding type is a grant, specifically through HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. The grants are budget-based.

Consortium Requirement:The opportunity appears to favor a consortium approach, as it involves demonstrations in multiple operational routes and corridors segments in different Member States and/or Associated Countries, and the development of shared charging solutions for multiple operators. Partner search announcements are explicitly mentioned, suggesting that collaboration is encouraged.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Associated Countries. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also be eligible if they have made specific provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Demonstrations must occur in the EU and/or in corridors segments in different Member States and/or Associated Countries.

Target Sector:The target sector is primarily transport, with a focus on climate, energy, and mobility. More specifically, it targets zero-emission road transport, long-distance passenger transport, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. The program also touches on aspects of urban planning, intermodality, and user experience in public transport.

Mentioned Countries:The opportunity explicitly mentions EU Member States and Associated Countries as locations for demonstrations. It also refers to non-EU/non-Associated Countries that have made specific provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Project Stage:The project stage is primarily demonstration, with an emphasis on testing and applying concepts, tools, and models in real-world operational routes. It also includes aspects of development, particularly in the context of new business models, charging solutions, and interior design for enhanced user experience.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03:€5,000,000 to 7,000,000 (4 grants)

HORIZON-CL5:around €13,500,000 (1 grant)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-05:around €8,000,000 (2 grants)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-06:around €8,000,000 (1 grant)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-08:around €2,500,000 (2 grants)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-14:around €6,500,000 (1 grant)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-15:around €2,000,000 (1 grant)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-16:around €7,500,000 (2 grants)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-17:around €7,000,000 (2 grants)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18:around €10,000,000 (2 grants)

HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-20:around €3,500,000 (2 grants)

Application Type:The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants to support their projects.

Application Stages:The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates:The success rates can be estimated based on the indicative number of grants and the overall budget allocated to each topic. For example, HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03 has 4 grants available with a budget of €24,000,000, while HORIZON-CL5 has 1 grant available with a budget of €13,500,000. The actual success rates will depend on the number of proposals received.

Co-funding Requirement:The information does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement.

Summary:This Horizon Europe call, under the MOBILITY pillar, focuses on demonstrating zero-emission solutions for long-distance coaches and buses through the 2ZERO Partnership. The call aims to address the limitations of current zero-emission vehicles in long-distance operations, such as range, weight, and charging infrastructure. It seeks projects that develop sustainable and affordable solutions, test new operational models, and demonstrate these solutions in real-world scenarios across EU Member States and Associated Countries. The projects should involve bus/coach providers and operators, cover aspects like planning, charging, passenger experience, and business models, and contribute to the KPIs of the 2ZERO Partnership. The funding is provided through HORIZON Innovation Actions, HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, with varying budgets and a single-stage application process. The call encourages collaboration through consortia and offers support resources like partner search tools and national contact points.