Solaris Bus & Coach has secured a contract to supply four 12-metre Urbino hydrogen-powered buses to Artois Mobilités, marking a significant step in enhancing sustainable public transportation in northern France.
The selection of Solaris was part of a tender led by Artois Mobilités in collaboration with Transdev Group and the French public transport procurement office CATP. These buses, equipped with 70kW fuel cells and Solaris High Power traction batteries, are slated for integration into Artois Mobilités’ fleet by 2025.
This procurement aligns with Artois Mobilités’ strategic goals for environmental transformation, specifically targeting the decarbonization of public transportation. Solaris’ hydrogen buses promise emission-free operation, addressing crucial sustainability criteria.
According to Brice Bonavia, Director of Solaris France, hydrogen buses offer compelling advantages such as extended range, rapid refueling capabilities, and fleet flexibility, positioning hydrogen as a viable alternative in public transport.
Solaris’ contract with Artois Mobilités highlights advancements in hydrogen bus technology within the public transport sector. However, achieving widespread adoption faces challenges such as infrastructure development and cost-effectiveness compared to other clean energy solutions.
Solaris’ concurrent contract with Île-de-France Mobilités underscores its expanding footprint in the French market. The success of these deployments will hinge on addressing operational challenges and maintaining performance benchmarks amidst evolving industry standards.
