Solaris has unveiled the Urbino 40 electric, a battery-electric bus developed specifically for the North American market. The world premiere took place at the APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, marking the Polish manufacturer’s planned entry into the North American electric bus market.
The model measures 12.44 metres, or just over 40 feet, which provides the basis for its Urbino 40 designation. Solaris is also preparing the longer Urbino 60 electric, an articulated three-axle model measuring 18.59 metres.
Solaris has been accepting orders from North American operators since the beginning of 2025, with the first deliveries expected to King County Metro in Seattle and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
Solaris Builds on CAF Group Presence
Solaris’ North American expansion follows a strategy to leverage the existing presence of its parent company, CAF, in the United States.
Solaris became part of the CAF Group in 2018. The group has decades of experience supplying rail solutions to customers across the US, and Solaris plans to use this established structure to support its expansion among transit agencies across North America.
Solaris CEO Javier Iriarte identified North America as a strategic growth market after taking the position in 2023, with the company targeting an initial market entry in 2026.
The manufacturer is now positioning the new platform around three areas: proven electric bus technology, local manufacturing and dedicated customer support. However, Solaris has not specified where its North American buses will be manufactured.
Urbino 40 Offers Up to 528 kWh of Battery Capacity
The Urbino 40 electric and Urbino 60 electric use a platform developed specifically to meet North American regulatory requirements.
The two-axle Urbino 40 has a technically permissible gross vehicle weight of 20.3 tonnes and is available with either a 230 kW or 300 kW electric drivetrain.
The three-axle Urbino 60 has a technically permissible gross vehicle weight of 32.1 tonnes and uses two 230 kW electric motors.
Both models mount their batteries on the roof. The Urbino 40 has 528 kWh of installed battery capacity, while the articulated Urbino 60 increases this to 704 kWh.
Solaris has not yet published an official driving range figure for either North American model. The company said the Urbino 40 has been designed to support demanding daily operations and meet the range requirements of transit agencies.
Solaris Urbino 40 and 60 Specifications
| Specification | Urbino 40 Electric | Urbino 60 Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Axles | Two | Three |
| Power | 230 or 300 kW | 2 × 230 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 528 kWh | 704 kWh |
| Length | 12.44 m | 18.59 m |
| Width | 2.59 m | 2.59 m |
| Height | 3.43 m | 3.43 m |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 20.3 tonnes | 32.1 tonnes |
| Maximum Seating Capacity | 41 | 50 |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity | 65 | 123 |
New Platform Includes Battery and Driver Technologies
Solaris has equipped the North American models with technologies covering battery integration, vehicle monitoring and thermal management.
The buses feature an integrated battery temperature management system and HVAC system designed to support efficient operation. Multiple driver assistance systems are also available.
Solaris said the development placed particular emphasis on driver safety and comfort. The cockpit features an ergonomic design and a fully shielded driver workspace, while external cameras can optionally replace conventional rear-view mirrors.
For passengers, the buses provide wide aisles and barrier-free areas. Depending on the model, the vehicles can accommodate up to 41 or 50 seated passengers and total passenger capacities of 65 and 123 people, respectively, including standing passengers.
First US Orders Remain Limited in Volume
Solaris is preparing its first deliveries to US transit agencies. King County Metro in Seattle has ordered four buses, with an option for a further 12 vehicles, while the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has placed an initial order for six.
Both operators have ordered a combination of solo and articulated buses.
Solaris is also supplying 107 trolleybuses to TransLink in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadian order is substantially larger than the initial US electric bus contracts and provides Solaris with another opportunity to establish its North American presence.
The new Urbino 40 electric and upcoming Urbino 60 electric represent Solaris’ first bus platforms developed specifically for the North American market, building on the company’s wider experience with battery-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell and trolleybus technologies in Europe.