German bus operator Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) has contracted Solaris Bus & Coach to supply 20 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses to Cologne.
This order follows the delivery of 15 hydrogen Solaris buses in Cologne throughout the last year and also provides the option to order another 20 vehicles of the same model. Once the new vehicles have been delivered, Cologne will operate the biggest fleet of hydrogen Solaris buses in Europe.
“This new order for our hydrogen buses, one on such a significant scale, is a token of the high regard we are held in. This is also a proof of the dynamic transition to zero-emission sustainable public transport taking place in European towns and cities. Cologne is definitely a leader in this transformation.”
This order advances Cologne’s transition to operating a zero-emission-at-the-tailpipe bus fleet. In addition to partnering with Solaris Bus & Coach, RVK has also contracted Wrightbus to supply up to 60 of its single decker hydrogen buses to Cologne over the next two years. These deliveries will add to RVK’s current fleet of 52 hydrogen buses.
The Solaris hydrogen buses will use 70kW fuel cells to generate electricity via reverse electrolysis, which will then be transferred directly to the driveline. During times of increased demand for electricity, a Solaris High Power battery will provide additional power.
The newly commissioned hydrogen buses will feature high-efficiency air-conditioning and an advanced passenger information system. They will also be equipped with the MobilEyeShield+ system that helps drivers detect pedestrians and cyclists in their blind spots.
