Josef Ettenhuber GmbH, a private bus operator from Bavaria, is a longtime customer of Solaris, who was the first to purchase fourth generation Urbino buses. In total, 84 Urbino buses are already driving for this customer in this company's fleet, from now on also those with electric drive.
In 2004, Solaris supplied 6 Urbino 12 buses to the town of Glonn near Munich. It was the first order by Josef Ettenhuber GmbH for vehicles of the polish producer. Over the next dozen or so years this led to even more contracts, for hybrid buses, conventionally propelled vehicles, and recently also for electric ones - because right now three Urbino 12 electric are heading for Bavaria. Thanks to the order performed by Solaris, this particular customer will be the first private bus operator in Germany to carry passengers in Solaris’ electric buses.
“Our cooperation with the company Josef Ettenhuber GmbH is very important to us and we often refer to it as an example of long-term cooperation of Solaris with a private carrier. I am extremely happy to know that our buses are riding through Bavaria, and I am convinced that the new vehicles - which are environmentally friendly and are fitted with numerous amenities for passengers - will be an appealing alternative to cars also in this region of Europe,” remarked Petros Spinaris, Deputy CEO for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Solaris Bus & Coach S.A..
All three of the ordered electric vehicles will be equipped with 240 kWh Solaris High Energy batteries which will be charged using a plug-in connector. It will be possible to plug the charger both in accordance with producer standards into a socket installed above the first right-hand wheel arch, as well as into one on the right-hand side in the back of the vehicle - at the special request of the German operator. The driveline will consist of an electric axis with integrated electric motors.
In addition to electric buses, Josef Ettenhuber GmbH will expand its fleet, adding more diesel Urbino 12 buses to it. This time there will be 25 vehicles equipped with engines that meet rigorous European Euro 6 standards. Buses are equipped with 32 seats and 6 folding seats, air-conditioning, a passenger information system, Internet access via Wi-F and USB ports enabling charging of mobile devices during the journey.
In order to further improve the safety of passengers en route, both the electric and the conventionally-driven buses produced for the Bavarian customer will be fitted with a collision prevention system - called Mobileye - which warns the driver using visual and auditory signals, for instance about the danger of rolling off the lane involuntarily and in an uncontrolled manner.
Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is a leading producer of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses on the development of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. Over 25,000 Solaris vehicles have been delivered so far and they ply the streets in 850 towns and cities across 33 countries located throughout Europe as well as beyond it. Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland. All activities undertaken by the company are in line with its mission, which is reflected in the brand’s promise: to change the image of public transport. Solaris also actively partners with public transport operators and provides them with comprehensive support in their transition to zero-emission mobility. Solaris products have been repeatedly awarded for quality and innovation. The Urbino 18 hydrogen bus has won the prestigious 'Bus of the Year 2025' title.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
Institutional Partnerships and External Relations Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
