Solaris Bus & Coach will deliver state-of-the-art hydrogen buses to the city of Wałbrzych. The contract covers the delivery of 20 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses, including an option to purchase an additional 25 vehicles. Wałbrzych is thus yet another Polish city that is investing in sustainable hydrogen-based public transport. According to the contract signed today, the first units will be delivered to Wałbrzych in September next year.
Representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach have just signed a contract with the city of Wałbrzych, represented by mayor Roman Szełemej, for the delivery of 20 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses. The contract also includes an option to extend the order in the future, even by an additional 25 vehicles. The vehicles ordered will be the first ever hydrogen-powered vehicles to be deployed in the city. In Poland, hydrogen vehicles already successfully ply routes in the cities of Konin, Poznań and Lublin. In accordance with the contract signed today, the first 14 units will be delivered to Wałbrzych in September 2024. The contract is to be completed by the end of July 2025.
“Solaris is committed to creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly towns and cities. We are extremely proud that the city of Wałbrzych has chosen us as a partner to introduce hydrogen technology to its public transport. Hydrogen buses improve the quality of air in the city and, at the same time, they offer long ranges and superior travel comfort”, said Dariusz Michalak, CTO at Solaris Bus & Coach, who attended the contract signing.
The most important feature of the new hydrogen buses is their zero-emission driveline. The Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles use energy derived from hydrogen, which is converted into electricity in a fuel cell. The chemical reaction that takes place in the fuel cell is extremely clean, as its only by-products are water and heat. The buses also boast an impressively long range, and refuelling takes just a dozen or so minutes.
Solaris Bus & Coach is a leading manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles for public transport. In the last few months, hydrogen buses made by the manufacturer have been arousing great interest amongst carriers and towns and cities throughout Europe. To date, the bus maker has delivered more than 150 hydrogen buses and has over 450 on order. This type of driveline, which perfectly supplements our electric vehicle range, is available in two lengths, as a 12-metre and 18-metre articulated vehicle.
In the pictures, from left (press material to follow): Dariusz Michalak, CTO of Solaris, Roman Szełemej, Mayor of Walbrzych, Krzysztof Szewczyk, Director of the Board of Roads, Communications and City Maintenance
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