Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), the public transport company of Berlin, Germany, has placed an order for 50 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses, scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. The order can be expanded by up to 650 additional units.
On the other hand, the EMT of Madrid, Spain, will receive 20 low-entry Urbino 9 LE electric buses and 30 Urbino 12 buses.
50 buses for BVG Berlin
The fleet of the Berlin-based transport operator BVG will be enriched with 50 modern and emission-free Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses in the next two years.
The contract was awarded as part of a framework agreement, which allows the carrier to purchase up to 700 vehicles – with orders to be placed over eight years.
Berlin’s public transport is already served by 140 battery-powered Solaris Urbino units in the two most popular lengths: 12 and 18 meters.
“Solaris has already provided a significant amount of battery buses to the BVG, which are in daily service on the streets of Berlin, thus contributing to a more sustainable environment within the city,” says Christian Goll, Managing Director of Solaris Deutschland GmbH.
“We are very grateful for this clear signal of trust in our products. We will put all our effort into providing modern, reliable and environmental-friendly buses for the passengers in Berlin,” he adds.
30 buses for Madrid
EMT Madrid has ordered the low-entry Urbino 9 LE electric and the classic Urbino 12 electric.
These modern vehicles, equipped with Solaris High Energy batteries, will substantially contribute to the electrification of EMT Madrid’s fleet.
Deliveries will be completed by the end of July 2024.
“In recent weeks, we have received many impressive orders from customers across Europe,” said Olivier Michard, Member of the Solaris Management Board for Sales and Marketing.
“I am delighted that Madrid has joined their ranks, and with its declarations followed by concrete, bold actions, it sets a great example for transport operators and local governments across Europe. Congratulations, and we wish you continued success,” he explains.
In accordance with the Sustainable Environmental Development Strategy of the Madrid City Council, known as “Madrid 360,” EMT Madrid aims to operate a fleet consisting entirely of low- and zero-emission buses.
In December 2022, the company announced the retirement of the last vehicle with traditional combustion engine from service.
The low-entry Urbino 9 LE electric buses will make their debut on the streets of Madrid, while the 12-meter model Urbino 12 electric is already well-known to the Spanish operator.
The buses will be powered by a central motor using energy from Solaris High Energy batteries.
In both models, the driver’s cabin has been designed in compliance with EMT standards and requirements to provide a safe and ergonomic workspace with integrated driver assistance devices.
Among the amenities worth mentioning is a modern monitoring system, replacing traditional mirrors.
Regarding passenger capacity, the 9-meter version will accommodate 24 seated passengers, while the 12-meter version will have 28 seated passengers.
