#PoweredByBallard
Solaris secures new fuel cell bus orders in Europe, powered by Ballard
Solaris has secured new fuel cell bus contracts in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
This initial phase marks the start of a large-scale order that was placed by Italian transport operator TPER at the end of 2023
Share on
Pace-setting bus manufacturer Solaris has delivered the first tranche of 37 fuel cell buses for operation in Bologna and Ferrara, Italy. The zero-emission buses are powered by Ballard fuel cells.
This is the initial phase of a large-scale zero-emission deployment which will eventually see Italian transport operator TPER scale up a further 100 units to launch a total hydrogen-powered fleet of 137 buses across the two cities.
The fleets servicing public routes in Bologna and Ferrara will be made up of Solaris’s Urbino 12 hydrogen fuel cell bus, which has an operational range of 350km, passenger capacity of 85, and has been in service in European cities – including Cologne, Poznan, and Bolzano – since 2021.
The Urbino 12 integrates Ballard’s FCmove®-HD 70kW fuel cell engine, which is an advanced module for medium- to heavy-duty decarbonized vehicles – offering a compact and durable solution that is easy to install in a rooftop configuration. Leveraging Ballard's proven proton-exchange membrane (PEM) technology, the module enhances power, range, and efficiency while improving reliability and system integration flexibility.
This large scale hydrogen bus deployment is the result of a strategic partnership between Solaris, TPER, and the cities’ governing authorities, while funding comes from TPER and the EU.
"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."
Javier Iriarte CEO, Solaris
To date, Solaris has delivered over 430 hydrogen buses to cities in Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, and France. An additional 400 hydrogen buses have been ordered or are currently being delivered across the continent - all powered by Ballard's FCmove® fuel cells.