Polish bus manufacturer Solaris has won a framework agreement with Czech public transport operator Dopravní podnik Ostrava (DPO) covering the potential delivery of up to 70 Urbino 12 electric buses in 2027 and 2028.
Solaris said the agreement represents one of the largest electric bus tenders in the Czech Republic to date and is also among the biggest vehicle procurement programmes undertaken by DPO.
Two Electric Bus Configurations Planned
The framework agreement covers two versions of Solaris’ 12-metre Urbino electric, with different battery capacities designed to match the operational requirements of individual routes.
One configuration will provide up to 350 kilometres of range on a single charge, while the other will be designed for journeys of up to 250 kilometres. Solaris said the approach will allow DPO to select vehicles based on route lengths and daily operating schedules.
The buses will use plug-in charging, with most charging expected to take place overnight at the depot. The vehicles will also feature air conditioning, safety technologies and equipment aimed at improving passenger comfort.
Solaris Expands Presence In Ostrava
The latest agreement strengthens Solaris’ long-running relationship with DPO and its presence in Ostrava.
Solaris has supplied more than 450 buses and trolleybuses to the Czech city. The manufacturer’s first electric bus contract in the country also came from DPO, which ordered 24 Urbino 12 electric buses and related charging infrastructure in 2021.
The new framework agreement builds on that earlier deployment as Ostrava continues to expand its zero-emission public transport fleet.
Urbino 12 Electric Receives Battery Upgrade
Solaris has continued to develop the Urbino 12 electric since its first contract with DPO.
In 2024, the manufacturer introduced an updated battery system that increased the model’s maximum installed battery capacity to more than 600 kWh. The revised architecture allows operators to configure vehicles with a greater emphasis on driving range or passenger capacity, depending on their operating requirements.
Solaris has not disclosed which specific battery configuration will be supplied to DPO. It has confirmed that the buses covered by the latest agreement will be offered in range variants capable of travelling up to 350 kilometres or 250 kilometres between charges.
Deliveries under the framework agreement are scheduled to take place during 2027 and 2028, giving DPO additional zero-emission vehicles as it continues the electrification of public transport in Ostrava.
