Solaris to deliver hydrogen bus to RVK

The vehicles are utilized on RVK lines in Cologne/Bonn area.

Köln, Germany-Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK)., a bus transportation provider had given the contract for the delivery of 18 Hydrogen Powered buses to Solaris Bus & Coach. Delivery is planned by second half of 2024. The vehicles are utilized on RVK lines in Cologne/Bonn area.

In last year April, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) issued a funding decision for 108 hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid buses to Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK).

These vehicles were put up for bid as part of several of procurement processes, including the ordering of articulated vehicles equipped with fuel cell technology if such vehicles were on the market. There is assistance for the purchase of 29 articulated buses fuelled by hydrogen.

The RVK fleet currently includes a 72 hydrogen buses. Extra vehicles from the funding funding program will gradually rejuvenate the fleet in a climate-friendly way.

Mr. Marcel Frank, Managing Director of the RVK  said, thanks the Federal Ministry, We can only further expand our commitment to sustainable local public transport with the support of the BMDV. The articulated bus represented a big gap here that is now finally being closed.

In the coming year, 18 Solaris articulated vehicles with fuel cell technology will join the 35 Solaris solo buses with hydrogen drive.

Mr. Olivier Michard, Solaris board member responsible for sales, marketing and after sales, said,  the greater area around Cologne and Bonn is developing into a European leader in the use of hydrogen technology in public transport. Starting with the first order of Solaris vehicles in 2020, we have initiated a partnership with RVK that sets new standards for European transport companies.

The Urbino 18 hydrogen buses made for RVK have electric  central  motor and modular drive. The bus's seating can be rearranged to accommodate more passengers because there isn't a conventional engine compartment. These buses employ more than 50 kg of hydrogen stored in eight cylinders on the vehicle roof and are outfitted with a cutting-edge 100 kW fuel cell unit. This guarantees a range of 350 kilometers independent of the climate or topography. It also features air conditioning with heat pump heating, advanced monitoring, passenger and remote management systems, ensuring greater safety and comfort for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.