German transport operator, Ruhrbahn GmbH has contracted Solaris to supply 19 hydrogen buses to Essen.
Specifically, the order includes nine Urbino 12 hydrogen models and ten Urbino 18 hydrogen models.
The buses are scheduled to be delivered in 2024 and 2025 and will be the first Solaris buses to operate in Essen.
Olivier Michard, Member of the Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Solaris Bus & Coach said:We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to supply Essen with the latest hydrogen vehicles, which will not only enhance passenger comfort but also represent a new stage in the transformation of the transportation industry. I am delighted that Ruhrbahn has decided to take this strategic step for the transformation of the transport industry and that together we can shape a more sustainable future with an emphasis on innovation and ecology.
The 12-metre vehicles will be equipped with a 70 kW hydrogen fuel cell, while the articulated 18-metre buses will have a 100 kW fuel cell. Both models will be powered by central electric motors and will feature Solaris High Power batteries to support the fuel cells during times of high demand.
Additionally, the vehicles will have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety. This includes turn-assistant and brake-assistant.
Ruhrbahn GmbH will also use Solaris’ eSConnect tool to analyse data on how the vehicles perform to optime operations.