Press releases

2023/12/28

SOLARIS SIGNS TWO CONTRACTS FOR ELECTRIC BUSES IN BERLIN AND MADRID

Solaris has concluded a successful year with the signing of contracts to supply electric buses to two major European cities, Berlin and Madrid. In both cases, the contracts cover the supply of 50 electric buses of different models, confirming Solaris's leadership in the European market. The total value of the contracts exceeds €70 million. In the case of Berlin, the contract is particularly significant as it is a framework contract, that could lead to the delivery of up to 700 buses. 

Major Solaris order from BVG Berlin 

Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Berlin's public transport authority, has placed an initial order for 50 latest-generation Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses, to be delivered between 2024 and 2025. The contract includes an option to increase the number of units ordered to 650 electric buses over the next eight years. 

The Urbino 18 electric buses will be equippied with a 240 kW asynchronous motor powered by the new generation of Solaris High Energy batteries. These batteries have a high energy density, resulting in a long operating range and low weight. They can be recharged either from a conventional socket or from a pantograph. The buses will also be equipped with the eSConnect system, which increases operational efficiency and optimises vehicle performance. 

This prestigious contract with BVG is a good opportunity for Solaris to consolidate the company's operations in Central Europe, particularly in the important German market. Berlin already operates 140 Solaris Urbino battery-electric buses in the two most popular lengths of 12 and 18 metres. 

In total, some 2,300 Solaris electric buses are already in service in many of Europe's major cities. They will be joined in the coming months by more than 700 buses from the manufacturer's current order book, to be delivered between 2024 and 2025. 

Solaris to supply 50 electric buses to Madrid 

EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid) has signed a contract with Solaris for the supply of 50 electric buses. EMT is continuing its commitment to sustainable mobility by purchasing silent and emission-free vehicles. The new vehicles pertain to two different versions of the Urbino platform: 30 12-metre electric buses and 20 9-metre buses, the shortest vehicle in the Solaris range, which has recently won several awards for innovation. The contract for the capital of Madrid includes a delivery schedule for the units throughout 2024. 

These will be the first Urbino 9 LE low-floor buses to ply the streets of Madrid, while the Urbino 12 model has been known to EMT for several years. On both models, the cab is designed to the highest standards and requirements of the Madrid operator to provide a safe and ergonomic working environment. In addition, the eSConnect service, which is also part of the transaction, will enhance diagnostic and service capabilities and facilitate accurate route planning for the various lines. 

Madrid is currently implementing an ambitious project called Madrid 360, which aims to reduce the capital's polluting emissions by transforming it into a sustainable city, as part of its environmental sustainability strategy. As part of this project, EMT Madrid has set itself the goal of operating a fleet made up entirely of sustainable buses. As a result, in December 2022, the company announced the withdrawal from service of its last traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. 

With a passenger volume of more than 370 million in 2022, the Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid is the largest public transport operator in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. Having delivered 250 natural gas buses and 60 electric buses to the capital, all of which are already in service, Solaris has had the opportunity to contribute to EMT's sustainable objectives in recent years, confirming the operator's confidence in Solaris. 

With a market share of 14% over the last ten years, Solaris has grown to become the largest manufacturer of electric city buses in Europe. Of particular note is the company's recent performance in the Spanish market, where it was the market leader last year and achieved significant market share growth of 25%.