© Solaris Bus & Coach
Solaris Bus & Coach delivers over all 52 vehicles ordered by Rostock’s transit agency. Additionally, it has deployed the first 37 of a 137-bus order by Bologna’s TPER to replace diesel-fueled buses. These projects demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of hydrogen technology in urban transit.
Rostock’s Shift to Hydrogen Buses
In Rostock, Solaris delivered 52 hydrogen buses to Rebus Regionalbus Rostock. This order, placed in April 2023, includes 47 twelve-meter and five eighteen-meter articulated buses. Twenty-five are already operating in the Güstrow district. The entire fleet will be active by March when a second hydrogen refueling station becomes operational.
Rebus chose hydrogen buses over battery-electric models. The decision was driven by the need for longer range and faster refueling. These buses can travel up to 500 km per refuel, well above the required 200 km per day. Although battery-electric buses are improving, hydrogen still offers better performance for intensive urban routes.
The investment in Rostock’s hydrogen fleet totals €40 million. Funding support came from Germany’s Ministry for Digital and Transport (€17.71 million) and the city government of Rostock (€7.8 million). This initiative aligns with the city’s sustainability goals, enhancing passenger comfort with quieter and cleaner rides.
Bologna and Ferrara Lead in Italy’s Hydrogen Adoption
In Italy, Solaris delivered the first 37 of 137 hydrogen buses to Bologna and Ferrara. TPER, the main public transport operator in Emilia-Romagna, placed this order in late 2023. It was financed through Italy’s post-Covid recovery and resilience funds. This project reinforces Bologna and Ferrara’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
The delivered vehicles – Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses – are fully zero-emission. They use a 70 kW fuel cell that combines hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapor. Hydrogen is stored in five roof-mounted tanks with a capacity of 37.5 kg. These buses are low-floor and come with modern features, including air conditioning and wheelchair platforms.
Bologna’s fleet is configured for different routes. Seventy three-door buses serve urban areas, while 67 two-door vehicles operate on suburban lines. This strategic deployment reduces emissions and enhances connectivity. It reflects TPER’s vision for a greener, more efficient public transport system.
Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach, said: “We are honored to contribute to such an ambitious project. The delivery of the first hydrogen buses to Bologna represents a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable public transport. The Urbino 12 hydrogen buses will help improve air quality, enhancing the well-being of residents in the city and the region.”
Solaris Driving Hydrogen Heavy-Duty Mobility Across Europe
Solaris is at the forefront of Europe’s hydrogen transition. To date, it has delivered over 430 hydrogen buses. Another 400 are on order or in delivery. The company’s presence spans Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, and beyond. Its focus on hydrogen technology meets the rising demand for zero-emission transport.
