Solaris will produce and supply four hydrogen-powered buses to Dopravný podnik Bratislava (DPB), a Slovakian transportation company.
This is the initial purchase made under a framework agreement. Long-term, as many as 40 Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles may make their way to the capital of Slovakia.
The Bratislava public transportation operator inked a contract to acquire four Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses. They will be the first hydrogen-powered buses in both Bratislava and Slovakia.
According to a framework agreement between DPB and the bus manufacturer, the Slovak carrier may acquire up to 40 hydrogen buses in the future. In July of next year, the first four Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles will be delivered.
“Our partnership with Bratislava started back in 2006. Over the years, we have delivered 50 vehicles with diesel and CNG drives to that city. Currently, we are accompanying DPB in the deployment of hydrogen technology, which is one of the most crucial when it comes to planning modern and clean urban public transport. Thus, Bratislava is setting a great example for other European towns and cities”, said Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach.
The Urbino 12 hydrogen bus is powered by a 70 kW fuel cell pack that functions as a tiny hydrogen power plant. The hydrogen system also includes auxiliary devices, such as those to feed hydrogen and air at an appropriate pressure, to recirculate hydrogen that has not been consumed, and to maintain a normal and stable operating temperature of the fuel cells.
Electricity generated by the fuel cell during vehicle operation is transmitted straight to the driveline. Gaseous hydrogen is stored on the roof of the bus in cutting-edge composite tanks. The hydrogen tanks are thoroughly tested and engineered to offer the highest level of safety for the driver, passengers, and pedestrians.
