Leipzig Transport Authority (LVB) has placed an order for 40 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses to replace older diesel vehicles, marking a significant step in the German city’s shift toward zero-emission public transport. The first 15 buses are scheduled for delivery from November 2026, with the remaining 25 expected from mid-2027.
The order follows the approval of €13.5 million in state funding from Saxony last year. Solaris secured the contract through an EU-wide tender, beating five competitors, according to LVB spokesman Marc Backhaus, as reported by Leipziger Volkszeitung. The authority opted for buses equipped with 576 kWh batteries, offering a range of up to 270 kilometres, sufficient for 24-hour operations on longer routes.
Charging for the buses will primarily utilize existing pantograph infrastructure at the Lindenau depot, which currently supports 38 VDL electric buses and features ten covered lanes with space for up to 50 charging points. Standard cable charging at up to 250 kW is also supported. LVB plans to expand the depot’s charging infrastructure further, although specific details have not been disclosed.
The total investment for the 40 buses is approximately €33 million, with state subsidies covering part of the cost. The new Urbino 18 electric units will be the first fully electric buses from Solaris in LVB’s fleet, which already includes 200 Solaris vehicles. The authority aims to enhance sustainable mobility and reduce emissions in Leipzig’s public transport network.
