German city of Duisburg has procured 25 Solaris fuel cell buses

25 hydrogen-powered Solaris buses will hit the streets of the German city of Duisburg from 2024-2025. The operator has opted for 11 Urbino 12 hydrogen models and 14 of the articulated version, the Urbino 18 hydrogen (the last add in the manufacturer’s bus range, released in the second half of 2022).

The Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG (DVG) has already put into operation seven Mercedes eCitaro G electric buses in early 2022.

The company has so far delivered more than 3,000 buses with electric and hydrogen propulsion systems. Urbino hydrogen buses have been contracted by customers from Austria, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy.

25 fuel cell buses for Duisburg

Carrier Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG (DVG) has placed an order for 25 Solaris hydrogen buses. This marks the first step for the operator in its journey to transform its fleet to completely emission-free by 2030. They will be the first hydrogen vehicles in the city, with delivery scheduled for 2024 for the Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen and mid-2025 for the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen.

The Urbino 12 will use 70 kW fuel cells, while the Urbino 18 will use 100 kW. The hydrogen Solaris buses features an electric traction motor with 160 kW in the 12-meter model and 240 kW in the articulated version. Moreover, the ordered vehicles will be equipped with Solaris High Power batteries, providing additional electric energy storage.

Passenger comfort and safety are ensured through efficient CO2 heat pump, monitoring, and a modern passenger information system. The driver’s work will be supported by extensive assistance systems (ADAS), including the detection of pedestrians and cyclists in the so-called blind spot, alerting the bus driver with audible and visual signals. Furthermore, ongoing operations are assisted by eSConnect, Solaris’ bus fleet monitoring, and management system.

Duisburg buys hydrogen buses from Solaris

“With the order of the first 25 hydrogen buses we are taking another important step towards making public transport in Duisburg completely emission-free and sustainable. With this transformation, we will make a decisive contribution to climate protection and to increasing the quality of life in Duisburg”, explains DVG CEO Marcus Wittig.

“I am proud that we can be part of this significant change taking place in urban transport in Duisburg. The implementation of safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly hydrogen technology will further reduce emissions in the city. The only by-product of operating the Urbino hydrogen buses is water vapor. We thank you for your trust and are looking forward to working with DVG”, said Olivier Michard, Solaris Board Member responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales.