Regionalverkehr Köln (RKV) has placed its third order for Solaris to deliver hydrogen buses in Cologne, Germany.
RVK currently operates 35 hydrogen Solaris buses following orders in 2021 and 2022. It will now add 18 articulated Urbino 18 hydrogen models to this fleet, with deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2024.
The Urbino 18 hydrogen buses will be equipped with an electric central motor and a modular drive. Thanks to their lack of conventional engines, the buses will maximise passenger capacity with a reconfigured seating arrangement.
The hydrogen-powered buses will also be equipped with 100 kW fuel cell sets, allowing them to run on more than 50 kilogrammes of hydrogen gas stored in 8 tanks on the roof. This provides the vehicles with a guaranteed range of 350 kilometres in all weather and topographic conditions.
To meet increased electricity demand, the fuel cells will also be supported by two Solaris High Power batteries, each with a capacity of 30 kWh.
Olivier Michard, Solaris Board Member said:Cologne and Bonn area is becoming a European leader in the use of hydrogen technology in public transportation. Starting with the first Urbino hydrogen ordered in 2020, we have initiated a partnership with RVK that sets new standards for European carriers.
The new electric buses will be fitted with high-efficiency air conditioning, heat pump heating and a passenger information system.
They will also feature driving assistance systems, including Solaris’ eSConnect monitoring and remote fleet management system and its MobilEye Shield+ system to detect nearby objects.
