Solaris delivers first hydrogen buses to Bologna and Ferrara

Bolechowo-Osiedle, Poland- Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o., a producer of city and intercity buse, has delivered the first of 137 hydrogen buses to Bologna and Ferrara, Italy, as part of a contract with transport operator TPER. The order, placed at the end of 2023, includes 137 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses for both cities as part of their hydrogen bus deployment projects. TPER has received the first 37 buses.

Mr. Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach, said, "We are honored to contribute to such an ambitious project. The delivery of the first hydrogen buses to Bologna represents a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable public transport. The Urbino 12 hydrogen buses will help improve air quality, enhancing the well-being of residents in the city and the region."

The Urbino hydrogen buses for TPER feature a fully low-floor design with air conditioning, a monitoring system, and space for wheelchairs and strollers. In Bologna, the fleet includes 70 three-door hydrogen Urbino 12 buses for urban routes and 67 two-door buses for city and suburban lines. These buses are powered by a 70 kW fuel cell that combines hydrogen with oxygen, emitting only water vapor. The fuel is stored in five roof-mounted tanks with a total capacity of 37.5 kg.

This hydrogen bus deployment in Bologna is a result of a strategic partnership between TPER, city authorities, and Solaris Bus & Coach, with funding from EU PNRR plans and TPER’s own resources. Hydrogen technology is gaining momentum across Europe, particularly in zero-emission transport. As Europe’s largest hydrogen bus manufacturer, Solaris has delivered over 430 buses to cities in Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, and France. An additional 400 buses are either on order or being delivered. In Italy, Urbino hydrogen buses also operate in Venice, Bolzano, Modena, Mantua, and Pescara.