Big order for Solaris double-articulated buses

A Solaris Urbino 24 electric with MetroStyle is shown during a test drive in Lublin, Poland. (Photo: Miasto Lublin/Solaris)

Solaris said its double-articulated electric buses will soon join a fleet in Liège, Belgium. The Polish bus manufacturer won a tender for as many as 45 of the vehicles, which it said is the largest tender to date for its double-articulated buses.

The first order, placed for 18 units, was secured by the region’s transport company Opérateur de transport de Wallonie (TEC), which manages transport in the city of Liège. The first five buses from this order are expected to be delivered in 2025, with the remaining 13 units arriving in 2026.

The company said the 24 m (79 ft.) length of its double-articulated buses translates into high passenger capacity, making them ideal for high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. The Urbino 24 electric buses also generate no emissions at the point of use, thus supporting the development of sustainable transportation and enhancing the quality of life of city residents. The ordered buses will feature the company’s MetroStyle design.

“We are especially delighted to deliver Urbino 24 electric buses in the unique MetroStyle design to Liège. These exceptional zero-emission buses will support sustainable and convenient public transport in the city,” said Olivier Michard, Chief Commercial Officer at Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o.

The new Solaris bus uses two ZF AVE 130 electric portal axles. (Illustration: ZF)

Each of the 24 m electric buses will be driven by two ZF AVE 130 electric portal axles. Energy will be supplied by next-generation Solaris High Energy batteries, with a total capacity of approximately 800 kWh per vehicle. These energy storage units will be charged via a plug-in connection.

The buses will be equipped with multiple driver-assistance systems, including a 270° camera system monitoring the area around the bus and enhanced visibility cameras in place of mirrors.

For passengers, the buses will offer 50 seats with access to USB chargers for mobile devices. LED lighting technology will be installed throughout the vehicle.

For improved fleet management, the Urbino 24 electric MetroStyle buses will be equipped with the eSConnect diagnostic tool, enabling increased operational efficiency and easier maintenance.

First unveiled to the public at Busworld Europe 2019, the 24 m Solaris bus was developed exclusively as a platform for zero-emission vehicles, including electric buses and trolleybuses.

Solaris said it has already delivered 50 double-articulated vehicles. Fourteen of them handle transport work in Aalborg, Denmark. The company has also delivered 36 double-articulated trolleybuses for operators in Prague and Bratislava, Poland.

Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland.