Solaris, a leading European manufacturer of electric buses, is set to make history by delivering twenty 12-meter hydrogen buses to the Polish city of Wałbrzych.

The groundbreaking initiative, slated for completion by July 2025, includes an option for an additional 25 vehicles, marking the city’s first foray into hydrogen-powered public transportation. The deployment aims to usher in a new era of sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions.

At the core of this initiative is Solaris’s Urbino 12 hydrogen model, a testament to cutting-edge fuel cell technology. Fueled exclusively by hydrogen converted to electricity in Ballard’s fuel cells, these buses act as miniature power plants on wheels. With five rooftop hydrogen tanks providing a total capacity of 1,560 liters, the Urbino 12 boasts a range of at least 350 km on a single refueling, a process that takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on infrastructure.

The 12-meter hydrogen buses are not just environmentally friendly but also prioritize passenger comfort and inclusivity. Sporting a 70 kW fuel cell and a Solaris High Power traction battery, these vehicles feature a central electric motor and provide seating for 31 passengers, including 10 with enhanced accessibility. The design caters to the needs of wheelchair-bound passengers, as well as those with pushchairs or prams, embodying a commitment to inclusivity in public transportation.

The hydrogen refueling station at a gas station on Warszawska Street in Poznan will facilitate seamless operations for the hydrogen-powered buses. The infrastructure ensures quick and efficient refueling, contributing to the practicality and viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source for public transport.