Polish bus company Solaris has launched a hydrogen-fueled articulated bus called Urbino 18 in Krakow. The bus is claimed to be able to carry 140 people in one go.
The first deliveries of the buses will take place in the second quarter of 2023. The Urbino 18 hydrogen bus is the most important thing because in addition to being able to carry 140 passengers, this bus can also cover a distance of 350 km.
Solaris also said that the gross vehicle weight of the new bus reached 29,000 kg and was 18 meters long. The Urbino 18 hydrogen bus is currently Solaris’ second fuel cell bus in a zero emission offering, previously Solaris launched the 12 m long hydrogen Urbino which was launched in 2019.
“With the 18-meter Hydrogen Urbino, we are responding to the increasing demand for this type of bus in the market,” said Solaris CEO Javier Calleja, quoted from the Sustainable Bus page.
The hydrogen 18 Urbino can be approved as a Class II vehicle, allowing it to be used on intercity routes, and as usual for buses from Solaris, buyers of these buses will have the possibility to customize them to suit their personal preferences.
“At the heart of the Urbino 18 hydrogen bus is a state-of-the-art fuel cell that acts as a mini hydrogen power plant,” says Solaris hydrogen technology team leader Pawel Mankowski.
Hydrogen, said Pawel, is converted by the fuel cell into electricity which is then transferred to the driveline. The new Solaris articulated bus does not have a conventional engine compartment as it has been equipped with a modular drive system. The space saved allows bus makers to increase the passenger capacity of vehicles.
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