Solaris wins tender for 45 mega electric buses for Liège, Belgium

Solaris has won a tender for 45 double-articulated Urbino 24 electric buses, that will be integrated into the transport network of the Belgian city of Liège. The first order under this tender was placed for 18 buses. The Urbino 24 electric buses are exceptional not only for their length but also for their MetroStyle design option. This is the largest tender for double-articulated buses won by the manufacturer to date.

Solaris's double-articulated electric buses will join the fleet in Liège, Belgium. The manufacturer won a tender for as many as 45 of these longest vehicles, marking the largest tender to date for Solaris’s double-articulated buses. The first order, placed for 18 units, was secured by Wallonia’s regional transport company (Opérateur de transport de Wallonie – TEC), which manages transport in the city of Liège. The first 5 buses from this order will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining 13 units arriving in 2026.

The unique 24-meter length of these double-articulated buses translates into high passenger capacity, making them ideal for high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. The Urbino 24 electric buses generate no emissions at the point of use, thus supporting the development of sustainable transportation and enhancing the quality of life of city residents. The ordered buses will feature the distinctive MetroStyle design.

"We are especially delighted to deliver Urbino 24 electric buses in the unique MetroStyle design to Liège. These exceptional zero-emission buses will support sustainable and convenient public transport in the city," said Olivier Michard, Chief Commercial Officer at Solaris.

Each of the 24-meter electric buses will be powered by two electric axles. Energy will be supplied by next-generation Solaris High Energy batteries, with a total capacity of approximately 800 kWh per vehicle. These energy storage units will be charged via a plug-in connection. The buses will be equipped with multiple driver-assistance systems, including a 270° camera system monitoring the area around the bus and enhanced visibility cameras in place of mirrors. The buses will offer 50 seats, and passengers will have access to USB chargers for mobile devices. Modern LED lighting technology will be installed throughout the vehicle. For improved fleet management, the Urbino 24 electric MetroStyle buses will be equipped with the comprehensive eSConnect diagnostic tool, enabling increased operational efficiency and easier maintenance.

The 24-meter Solaris bus was first unveiled to the public at Busworld Europe 2019 and was developed exclusively as a platform for zero-emission vehicles, including electric buses and trolleybuses. Solaris has already delivered 50 double-articulated vehicles. Fourteen of these are electric models that serve transport in Aalborg, Denmark. The company has also delivered 36 double-articulated trolleybuses for operators in Prague and Bratislava.

Photo: Solaris Urbino 24 electric MetroStyle on test drivers in Lublin, Poland.
Photo: Miasto Lublin.