Solaris Bus & Coach has placed orders with Ballard Power Systems for 13 Ballard FCmoveTM fuel cell modules to power 13 Fuel Cell Electric Buses with In-der-City-Bus GmbH, which operates bus routes in Frankfurt, Germany. The modules will be delivered in 2021, and the buses will be deployed in 2022, according to Ballard.
The single-deck Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses are 12-meters long (40 feet) and can travel 350 kilometers (210 miles) on a single hydrogen refueling. The buses are equipped with air conditioning, a modern passenger information system, built-in USB charging points, wheelchair access, and CCTV cameras for maximum passenger comfort and security.
Frankfurt has set a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as well as achieving city traffic climate neutrality by 2030. ICB is committed to achieving climate protection goals in line with Frankfurt’s target, and has launched a campaign to acquire fuel cell-powered buses by 2020. ICB intends to use a central station at its bus depot to refuel its hydrogen-powered buses.
Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. said, “Cities are responsible for 60% of CO2 emissions, so it is extremely important to allow the technologies used in every aspect of the city’s operation to ‘turn green’ – including public transport. We are proud that the products offered by us contribute to this green transformation and that they have a tangible impact on improving the quality of life of city residents. I am very pleased to notice the growing interest in hydrogen buses which are a perfect supplement to our e-mobility portfolio.”
Rob Campbell, Ballard Chief Commercial Operator added, “With the deployment of these 13 buses, Ballard modules will be powering a total of 80 Solaris buses in The Netherlands, Germany and Italy. The orders we are announcing today are indicative of the growing European and global adoption of zero-emission FCEBs, driven by recognized benefits that include superior total cost of ownership for bus fleet operators along with route flexibility, rapid refueling and long range zero-emission performance.”
