The two contracts will generate a turnover exceeding €80 million, further strengthening Solaris' position as a market leader in the European electric bus industry, where it has held a market share of more than 15% over the last 10 years.
Solaris secures a contract for 46 electric buses for the Swedish region of Dalarna
Solaris has entered a contract with Keolis Sverige, one of Sweden's largest transport operators, to supply 46 electric buses. The order comprises 19 Urbino 12 electric buses, and an additional 27 Urbino 15 LE vehicles. The first deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2025 and will be used on the roads in the Swedish region of Dalarna, a region famous for its countryside and breathtaking scenery.
The Solaris Urbino 12 electric bus has been one of the most popular models among European transport operators in recent years. Intended primarily for urban routes, they will have a passenger capacity of up to 61 and will be equipped with state-of-the-art 600 kWh High-Energy batteries to ensure optimum performance throughout the operating day. The Solaris Urbino 15 LE, designed for both urban and intercity service, has a capacity of up to 72 passengers and is equipped with high-energy batteries with a total capacity of 700 kWh for an extended operating range.
In addition to internal and external monitoring systems, the new vehicles will feature advanced safety technology, including an anti-collision system designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Cameras will replace traditional mirrors to improve driver visibility. The Urbino 15 LE model will also feature a driver fatigue monitoring system, providing an additional layer of operational safety.
Solaris has been operating in Sweden since 2003, having delivered approximately 700 vehicles in the country to date, the vast majority of which are equipped with zero or low emission technology. This contract will further consolidate the company’s presence and promote the introduction of green transport in the Nordic region.
Solaris wins contract for 45 24-metre electric buses for Liège
Solaris has also won a contract to supply 45 Urbino 24 double-articulated electric buses to operate on the transport network of the Belgian city of Liège. This is the largest double articulated bus contract ever won by the manufacturer, following an initial order for 18 units from the Walloon Regional Transport Company (TEC), which manages transport in the city of Liège. CAF is also currently manufacturing the city's tram for this customer, one of its most emblematic projects.
The Urbino 24 buses stand out not only for their impressive length, but also for their distinctive MetroStyle design. With an impressive length of 24 meters, these vehicles boast a high passenger capacity, making them well suited to rapid bus transit systems. They will also feature several driver assistance systems, including a 270° camera system that will provide a full view of the area around the bus, as well as enhanced visibility cameras in place of traditional mirrors. The buses will have a 50-seat capacity, complete with all passenger amenities, including USB chargers and LED lighting throughout the entire vehicle. For improved fleet management, the MetroStyle buses will be equipped with the eSConnect comprehensive diagnostic tool which provides greater operational efficiency and easier maintenance.
The 24-metre Solaris bus model made its public début at the Busworld Europe 2019 exhibition. Since then, the company has delivered 50 units of this double-articulated model to cities such as Aalborg (Denmark), Prague and Bratislava.