HS Code for Electric bus

Electric buses are classified under HS code 8702.40. This classification is part of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8702 is specifically for motor vehicles designed for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver. The subheading 8702.40 was introduced to specifically address the growing market for zero-emission public transport, covering vehicles that rely solely on an electric motor for propulsion. To be classified here, the vehicle must be a "public transport type" vehicle. This means it must have a seating capacity of at least ten people. The propulsion system must be entirely electric, typically powered by on-board batteries or overhead lines (trolleybuses). The classification is determined by the combination of the passenger capacity and the exclusive use of electric motors, distinguishing them from internal combustion engine buses and hybrid models.

Products Included

• Battery electric city buses
• Electric shuttle buses (10+ seats)
• Electric motor coaches
• Purely electric trolleybuses
• Electric school buses

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with HS code 8703.80, which covers electric cars. The distinction is strictly based on passenger capacity; vehicles carrying fewer than ten people fall under 8703. Another frequent error involves hybrid buses, which are classified under 8702.20 (diesel-electric hybrids) or 8702.30 (petrol-electric hybrids). If the bus has any form of internal combustion engine used for propulsion or as a range extender, it cannot be classified under 8702.40. Additionally, electric trucks or vans designed for freight rather than passengers are classified under 8704.90.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Electric bus?

The HS code for a motor vehicle for the transport of 10 or more persons with only an electric motor for propulsion is 8702.40.

Does this code include hybrid buses?

No, hybrid buses that use both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine are classified under 8702.20 or 8702.30 depending on the engine type.