Arriva has ordered 30 Solaris electric buses for operations in the West-Brabant region of the Netherlands.
This order is comprised of 26 Urbino 12 electric and 4 articulated Urbino 18 electric buses to join Arriva’s fleet in 2025.
The investment is part of Arriva’s plan to transition its bus fleet in the region to zero emissions by the start of the new concession on 6 July 2025. The operator has also recently ordered electric models from VDL Bus & Coach.
Jan Pieter Been, regional director Arriva Zuid said:With the investment of these buses, we invest in the future. We take a huge step regarding our zero emission ambitions. Over 90 % of the public transport by bus in West-Brabant is electric, with no emission. It fits our ambition to work CO2 neutral in 2027.
The Solaris buses for West Brabant have been designed with a new modular drive system architecture, which eliminates the traditional engine tower. This creates more passenger space and allows the batteries to be placed exclusively on the roof.
Both the 12-metre and 18-metre models will feature batteries with a capacity of around 400 kWh, charged via a plug-in socket. For greater operational flexibility, each bus will have two charging ports, one on each side.
The contract also includes advanced driver amenities aimed at improving safety and comfort. Each bus will have a comprehensive monitoring system, including fisheye cameras that monitor the front and right side of the vehicle, along with cameras replacing traditional side mirrors.
Notable driver assistance features include a pedestrian and cyclist detection system, a lane departure warning system, and a fatigue monitoring system.
What’s more, the interior of the buses will offer spacious seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and USB chargers.
Olivier Michard, Chief Commercial Officer at Solaris Bus & Coach said:Arriva's order of 30 electric buses is an important step towards greener mobility solutions in the Netherlands. We are very happy to continue our cooperation by introducing another zero-emission technology – besides hydrogen – to Arriva's fleet. We strongly believe that e-mobility is a key to the global transformation of transport.
