Solaris has supplied more electric buses to Berlin. This time, the contracted vehicles are Solaris Urbino electric buses, commissioned under a contract that was signed in August 2018, for 15 twelve-meter zero-emission buses of Solaris. Berlin public transport operator BVG has recently also ordered 15 articulated buses of that type. Thus Berlin will soon become the German city with the highest number of electric vehicles produced by the Polish manufacturer.
“Berlin is taking yet another step towards emission-free public transport. Electric buses are a gain for each and every Berlin resident, since the buses allow the inhabitants to benefit from reduced traffic noise and reduced air pollution. I am proud that Solaris is part of this new journey,” noted Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach S.A., who was present at the handing over of the bus.
The drive unit of the Solaris Urbino 12 for Berlin consists of an axle with integrated traction motors. Highly popular on the German market, this solution has also been used in the model that won the prestigious Bus of the Year 2017 award. Solaris High Energy batteries boasting a total capacity of 240 kWh will be used to store power. The Berlin operator has decided in favour of plug-in charging for the vehicles.
So far, there are five Urbino 12 electric buses in use in the capital of Germany. The positive experience from the operation of those vehicles induced BVG to hold a tender for another set of electric buses. Having won that public procurement, Solaris signed the contract for the delivery of 15 Urbino electrics in articulated version in March. Thus Berlin will become the city with the highest number of electric Solaris vehicles in all of Germany.
Photo: BVG.
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
