Solaris has signed a contract with German operator Ruhrbahn GmbH to supply 19 zero-emission, hydrogen-powered buses for operation in the German city Essen. The fuel cell vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025, marking the first presence of Solaris buses on the streets of Essen. The order includes the delivery of nine Urbino 12 hydrogen models and ten Urbino 18 hydrogen models. This is the first order from this operator.
The ordered buses will be equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that generate electrical energy onboard. The 12-meter models will use a 70 kW fuel cell, while the articulated buses will have a 100 kW fuel cell. All models will be powered by central electric motors. Urbino hydrogen buses will also feature Solaris High Power batteries designed to support the fuel cell during increased activity. The vehicles will be air-conditioned using CO2 device
with heat pump heating function. The increase in passenger and driver safety will be ensured by GSR2 Systems, which include among others turn-assistant and brake-assistant. The operator has also opted for eSConnect, Solaris' proprietary tool that allows full access to the data necessary to assess the bus's performance and plan its further operation. Solaris reports an order book of 530 hydrogen vehicles, scheduled for delivery in the coming months.