At the IAA Transportation fair in Hannover, the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen bus was named “Bus of the Year 2025” by the international Bus of the Year jury.
This win marks the first time a zero-emission hydrogen-powered bus has received the award since the competition’s inception in 1989.
Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach said:This is a tremendous distinction not only for our product but for our entire zero-emission mobility strategy. I am extremely proud that our bus has been recognised by an international jury as the best vehicle in its class in 2025.
This title acknowledges both the excellence of our product and our strong market position throughout Europe. We are greatly honoured to be a leader in zero-emission solutions, supplying our customers with battery and hydrogen buses. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and congratulate all our employees, business partners, and customers. This is our shared success!
This is the second time Solaris has earned the Bus of the Year title; the first was in 2017 for its battery-powered Solaris Urbino 12 electric bus. Solaris is now the first company to win the title for both battery and hydrogen-powered buses.
The Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen bus, powered by electricity generated in a hydrogen fuel cell, features an articulated design and a driving range of up to 600 kilometres on a single refuelling.
The vehicle also boasts lightweight hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 51.2 kg, as well as Solaris batteries that serve as an auxiliary power source.
With a 20-minute refuelling time and the ability to carry up to 140 passengers, the bus is designed for longer routes and efficient operation.
Tom Terjesen, President of the Bus of the Year Jury said:Hydrogen is probably one of the most sustainable fuels, and its usage and share in energy mix will grow fastest in public transport in the coming years. The fact that Solaris has chosen to invest so heavily in this technology deserves great respect. Solaris has also managed to construct a bus that meets future requirements in terms of passenger comfort and capacity, driver safety, and a good workplace, as well as a sustainable and environmentally friendly powertrain. All in all, when Solaris presented the 18-metre hydrogen-powered articulated bus at this year's Bus Euro Test, it caused great excitement!
