European bus manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach has launched a new “zero-emission vehicle retrofit” service aimed at extending the operational life of earlier-generation electric buses by replacing key drivetrain components, starting with batteries, as operators seek to keep pace with rapid advances in electric vehicle technology.
The service addresses a growing challenge facing fleet operators whose electric buses, delivered up to a decade ago, now lag behind current standards in range, efficiency and durability. Solaris said the retrofit programme allows older vehicles to benefit from modern energy storage systems, helping transport authorities maximise returns on existing investments while avoiding premature fleet replacement.
See also: Warsaw Orders 50 More Solaris Electric Buses to Expand Zero-Emission Fleet
“Zero-emission vehicle retrofit is a service built around customer needs, enabling operators with Solaris buses to ensure vehicle maximum benefits at every stage of its life cycle,” said Marco Franza, Chief Services Officer at Solaris Bus & Coach. “We are proud to announce the first units retrofitted in MPK Kraków and ready to scale-up this offering in all Solaris certified service points in Europe.”
Solaris began producing electric buses in 2011 and said several thousand of its vehicles are now operating across Europe, with some exceeding a decade of service and travelling close to one million kilometres. The retrofit process includes post-warranty battery replacement, the installation of updated battery thermal management systems, software upgrades for battery management, and verification of compatibility with existing charging infrastructure. The service also applies to battery-equipped trolleybuses and in future is expected to include hydrogen-powered buses.
See also: Transdev Nederland Orders 55 Solaris Electric Buses for Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Foodvalley
The company said it is currently completing a retrofit project for MPK Kraków under a tender-based contract covering 20 buses, including Urbino 12 electric and articulated Urbino 18 electric models. Additional retrofit projects are being prepared for customers in Berlin, Hamburg, Paris and Warsaw, reflecting rising interest in extending electric fleet lifecycles amid tightening emissions targets.
Solaris said it will offer tailored battery solutions using lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) or lithium titanate (LTO) technologies, depending on operating profiles, charging patterns and cost requirements. The company has sold more than 6,300 electric and hydrogen buses and trolleybuses across Europe to date.
