Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) is set to revolutionize its fleet with the introduction of hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid buses.
With the support of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV), RVK is embarking on a mission to enhance sustainable public transport by embracing hydrogen technology. The awarded contract to Solaris Bus & Coach for 18 hydrogen-powered articulated buses marks a milestone in this visionary endeavor.
The journey towards cleaner and more eco-friendly transportation gained momentum when the BMDV granted funding for 108 hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid buses to RVK in April of the previous year. This move was part of several tendering procedures aimed at upgrading the public transport system with advanced hydrogen-based technology. As part of this initiative, the procurement of 29 hydrogen-powered articulated buses is set to receive funding.
The eagerly awaited contract for the delivery of 18 hydrogen-powered articulated buses has now been awarded to Solaris Bus & Coach. These state-of-the-art vehicles are scheduled for delivery in the latter half of 2024 and will contribute to transforming public transportation in the greater Cologne/Bonn area. This development represents a significant stride towards achieving climate-friendly rejuvenation of the RVK fleet.
Marcel Frank, Managing Director of RVK, expresses gratitude towards the BMDV’s support, acknowledging that this partnership enables the expansion of sustainable local public transport. The introduction of articulated buses fills a crucial gap in the transport network, reinforcing the commitment to environmentally conscious mobility solutions.
Solaris Bus & Coach’s collaboration with RVK is redefining the standards of sustainable transport. Olivier Michard, Solaris board member responsible for sales, marketing, and after-sales, highlights the remarkable progress of the Cologne and Bonn region as a European leader in hydrogen technology adoption. The partnership’s journey, initiated with the 2020 order of Solaris vehicles, is paving the way for a future where hydrogen technology plays a pivotal role in European public transport.
The Urbino 18 hydrogen buses destined for RVK boast a cutting-edge electric central motor and a modular drive. The absence of a traditional engine compartment opens up possibilities for optimizing passenger capacity through reconfigured seating arrangements. These buses are equipped with a state-of-the-art 100 kW fuel cell set, enabling them to harness over 50 kilograms of hydrogen stored in roof-mounted cylinders. This innovation guarantees an impressive range of 350 kilometers, regardless of weather or topography.
These hydrogen-powered buses will introduce advanced features such as high-efficiency air conditioning with heat pump heating, robust monitoring systems, and enhanced passenger and remote management systems. These elements are designed to elevate safety, comfort, and efficiency for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
