Readers of German trade magazine busplaner have lauded the Solaris Urbino electric as their "Innovation of the Year 2012". The fully electric bus was awarded this prize in the Public Transport category. With its state-of-the-art drive system supplied by Solaris partner Vossloh Kiepe, this bus is capable of 100 km emission-free travel without any need for recharging.
The Solaris Urbino electric was first presented in a midibus version in autumn 2011 and already won the Gold Medal for Best Product at Transexpo exhibition. A pre-production vehicle, based on the Solaris Alpino 8.9 LE midibus, currently undergoes demanding trials. Experience gained in this test programme is used in the design of the next vehicles, which will start their operation over the next months. Combined with innovative rapid-charging solutions, Solaris electric buses are set to be fully capable, eco-friendly alternatives to diesel buses.
The busplaner Innovation of the Year title was awarded for the fifth time. Solaris also was a winner last year when the Urbino 18 Hybrid won the Public Transport category. This series hybrid bus uses both batteries and supercaps for energy storage, with charge levels topped up externally by a plug-in connection.
Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is one of the leading producers of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses in particular on the development of zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. This has resulted in the widest zero-emission product range in the European market and a leading position in this segment with a market share of 15.2%. Nearly 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. Moreover, all activities undertaken by the manufacturer are in line with the brand’s mission, which is reflected in the motto “We are changing 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.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
E-mobility Development & Market Intelligence Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
