9-metre Solaris electric bus at prestigious FIAA trade fair in Madrid

At the FIAA international trade fair, taking place from 18-21 October 2022 in Madrid, Solaris Bus & Coach is presenting one of its latest product: the Urbino 9 LE electric bus, which premiered late last year. The 9-metre-long, electric-powered vehicle has also been entered for the Minibus of the Year award, granted at the Spanish trade fair.

FIAA (es. Feria Internacional del Autobús y del Autocar) is the second largest trade fair in Europe for the wide range of products, technologies, and services available in the public transport market. The event includes the showcasing of new bus and coach models. This leading trade fair also hosts the prestigious European Minibus of the Year award. The award is selected as part of the second edition of the Minibus Euro Test competition, organised by IFEMA and Autobuses & Autocares magazine, the official representative of the International Bus & Coach of the Year Awards in Spain.

During this year's edition, Solaris decided to present the smallest bus available in its portfolio – the Urbino 9 LE electric – also entered for the Minibus of the Year award.

Solaris Urbino 9 LE electric

The 9-metre low-entry Solaris Urbino electric has been standardised with all other vehicles of the 4th generation. This model, too, has been designed in such a way that it can be adapted to class I or class II type approval. The bus provides an excellent link between the urban and suburban road network across sprawling conurbations.

The Urbino 9 LE electric bus is equipped with an electric central motor with a peak power output of 220 kW. The drive system in this model is powered by energy from a set of Solaris High Energy batteries with a capacity of over 350 kWh. The Urbino 9 LE electric is fitted with hybrid heating, among other options. Additional energy storage facilities, and optimisation of energy consumption, allow this bus to cover much longer distances on a single charge than was the case with Solaris' previous minibus, the Urbino 8.9 LE electric.

The stylish vehicle features many passenger amenities: an extensive passenger information system, USB chargers or LED, aesthetically pleasing lighting. Despite its compact dimensions, the vehicle has room for a significant number of seats, most of which are forward-facing. The spacious air-conditioned interior of the bus can fit up to 31 comfortable seats. What is more, the bus features dedicated spaces for passengers with disabilities and those travelling with prams or pushchairs, as well as seats fitted with ISOFIX in option. The modernised design provides more headroom in the rear of the bus, which enhances journey quality. At the same time, due to its compact dimensions, the bus will not only perform brilliantly in cramped city spaces, but also on steep climbs and on tight mountain bends.

The Solaris Urbino 9 LE electric has been steadily gaining more buyers since its premiere in 2021. The company has so far received orders for this model from operators in Germany, Spain Italy and Poland, having already contracted more than 30 units of this 9-metre electric bus.