Cologne’s regional transport company, RVK, has inked a significant deal with Polish manufacturer Solaris to acquire 18 articulated hydrogen buses, scheduled for deployment in the summer of 2024. These state-of-the-art vehicles will play a crucial role in expanding the presence of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in the greater Cologne/Bonn area.
This marks a milestone for RVK as it represents their first order of articulated buses from Solaris. The Urbino 18 Hydrogen, Solaris’ latest model unveiled in September 2022, has already undergone successful testing with RVK.
The Urbino 18 Hydrogen boasts impressive specifications, with 51.2-kilogram hydrogen tanks enabling it to cover up to 350 kilometers on a single refueling, a process that takes just around 20 minutes. Solaris sources its fuel cells from Ballard, which provide an output of 100 kW. Additionally, a 60 kWh battery complements the fuel cell to meet high-power demands and facilitate energy recovery during braking. Depending on its configuration, this new articulated bus can accommodate up to 140 passengers.
Presently, RVK’s fleet comprises 72 hydrogen buses, including 35 fuel cell solo buses of Solaris’ Urbino 12 Hydrogen model. Further hydrogen buses have been ordered from Wrightbus, and 35 buses from Van Hool are already in active service. In April 2022, Regionalverkehr Köln received federal funding for 108 fuel cell buses, including 29 articulated models, underscoring their commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
This order marks Solaris’ third collaboration with Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH for hydrogen buses, exceeding a previously reserved option for 40 FCEVs when federal funding was granted.
See also: Solaris Secures Record Order for 52 Hydrogen Buses from Germany’s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State
Marcel Frank, Managing Director of RVK, expressed their dedication to achieving zero emissions, saying, “Thanks to the funding from the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport and the speedy tendering process, we are making great strides towards our goal of zero emissions.”
Olivier Michard, Solaris Board Member for Sales, highlighted the growing prominence of hydrogen technology in public transportation in the Cologne and Bonn area, stating, “Starting with the first Urbino hydrogen ordered in 2020, we have initiated a partnership with RVK that sets new standards for European carriers.”
