Solaris, Europe’s leading manufacturer of hydrogen buses, has inked a significant deal with Ruhrbahn GmbH, a prominent transport operator in Essen, Germany.
The contract entails the supply of 19 state-of-the-art hydrogen buses, marking a notable stride in the region’s commitment to eco-friendly transit solutions. This transformative order, comprising nine Urbino 12 hydrogen models and ten Urbino 18 hydrogen models, represents Ruhrbahn’s inaugural foray into the realm of hydrogen-powered buses. The anticipated delivery is scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
Solaris’s innovative hydrogen buses aim not only to elevate passenger comfort but also to spearhead a new era in the transportation industry. Olivier Michard, Member of the Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Solaris Bus & Coach, expressed pride in contributing to Essen’s sustainable transportation vision and shaping a more ecological future through innovation.
The ordered buses will feature advanced hydrogen fuel cells for onboard electrical energy generation. The 12-meter models will be equipped with a 70 kW fuel cell, while the articulated buses will boast a more robust 100 kW fuel cell. Central electric motors will power all models, with the inclusion of Solaris High Power batteries supporting the fuel cell during peak activity.
Additionally, the Urbino hydrogen buses will be equipped with air conditioning utilizing a CO2 device with a heat pump heating function. Passengers will enjoy practical USB chargers and an extensive passenger information system. Safety measures include GSR2 Systems, featuring turn-assistants and brake-assistants. The operator has opted for eSConnect, Solaris’s proprietary tool offering full access to crucial bus performance data.
