Ikarus to supply Skopje’s new electric bus fleet

PRESS RELEASE

Budapest / Skopje, 11 August 2026

Ikarus has successfully concluded the largest electric bus procurement in its history. Following the completion of the public procurement procedure and the contract becoming legally binding, 150 electric buses and 75 charging stations will be delivered to the capital of North Macedonia and to cities across the country.

Ikarus Electric Zrt., in a joint bid with Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd. and energy partner EVN Macedonia Elektrosnabduvanje DOOEL, has been awarded the public procurement contract launched by North Macedonia’s Ministry of Transport for the supply of electric buses and charging stations.

The current result marks the second stage of a lengthy procurement process. The North Macedonian Ministry of Transport first launched the tender in the spring of this year, which was also initially won by the Ikarus-led consortium. However, the tender result was annulled a few weeks later on formal grounds, prompting the ministry to repeat the public procurement procedure. This time, following the expiry of the legal remedy period, the contract became final and legally binding.

Under the project, implemented with direct North Macedonian funding, the consortium will supply 150 fully electric, low-floor city buses and 75 charging stations for Skopje’s public transport network. Deliveries will be carried out in three phases following the signing of the contract: 30 buses and 15 charging stations within the first six months; a further 60 buses and 30 charging stations within 12 months; and the remaining 60 buses and 30 charging stations within 18 months.

Following the evaluation of the submitted bids, two bidders — BMC Otomotiv and Ikarus Electric Zrt. — met the tender requirements and qualified for the electronic auction. As a result of the auction, the consortium led by Ikarus Electric Zrt. submitted the most advantageous offer.

The project marks the first major milestone in Ikarus’s expansion in the Balkans, laying a solid foundation for the company’s further local and regional expansion. The key strategic objective of the investment is to generate a high level of local added value, which is why the vast majority of services relating to the vehicles’ entire life cycle are delivered with the involvement of local partners and suppliers, thereby strengthening the efficiency and sustainability of the supply chain, as well as ensuring long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.

This contract further strengthens Ikarus’s presence in the European e-mobility market. Building on strong international partnerships, the project will deliver a modern, fully electric fleet and charging infrastructure in North Macedonia that will shape everyday mobility in the capital for decades to come.

Background

Founded in 1895, Ikarus is one of Europe’s oldest and most established bus manufacturing brands and is today an active player in the European e-mobility market. The Skopje contract does not represent a market entry, but rather an expansion of the company’s existing European presence. Through its international partnerships, Ikarus is now able to offer modern, fully electric vehicles and the associated charging solutions on a significantly larger scale. The scope of the project includes the delivery and commissioning of the vehicles and charging stations, as well as the provision of related services.