Articulated e-buses in focus, or the sixth comparison test of electric buses in Bonn

For the sixth time, the German magazine “Omnibusspiegel” invited representatives of the bus industry to Bonn for a comparative review of e-buses. This year, battery-powered articulated buses of various brands were evaluated, including our last year’s premiere – the Solaris Urbino 18 electric bus.

Over 100 participants from eight European countries came to Bonn in April for a comparative review of e-buses, this time the vehicles in the articulated, 18-metre version were tested. This year's official competition included battery vehicles from four manufacturers: Solaris, Ebusco, MAN Truck & Bus, and Mercedes-Benz.?

“Today vast majority of the city buses in Europe are electric driven. Solaris has a great honor and pleasure to be the leader of this market in last 10 years. Thanks to our customers we have a possibility to deliver more and more battery and fuel cell hydrogen buses. And today we are presenting the newest development by our R&D department, ” said Mateusz Figaszewski , Institutional Partnerships & External Relations Director, Solaris Bus & Coach

?? REVIEWED BY JOURNALISTS AND OPERATORS

The operational capabilities of the buses were tested not only by journalists from international trade magazines, but also by representatives of transport companies and bus operators. The vehicles were evaluated based on detailed surveys - both from the perspective of the driver and passengers. E-buses were also examined in terms of service and repair friendliness.?

Although four articulated buses took part in the official competition, a total of seven e-buses were tested. For four consecutive test days, the vehicles covered a total of 2,432 kilometers, and their performance was assessed on a demanding bus route through Bonn and the surrounding area.?

?? IN THE RACE, SOLARIS RELIED ON PRODUCT INNOVATION?

“The modular drive used in this model, allowed us to place all the batteries on the roof and by doing so we increased the passenger capacity. In this model we used the batteries with a total capacity of 800 kWh which resulted in really impressive range of up to 600 km on a single charge,” said Mikolaj Ratajczak , BEV Product Owner, during the presentation.?

As one of the leading manufacturers in the European electric bus market, Solaris showcased its last year's premiere at the tests – the Solaris Urbino 18 electric, which offers a high operating range of up to 600 km of zero-emission driving. ?

The bus was built with a new powertrain architecture and the latest battery technology, eliminating the traditional engine tower while maximizing passenger space. The Urbino 18 electric is fully compliant with safety standards, including cyber security, and GSR2 requirements.

A rare specimen - a vintage 1974 Mercedes Benz O317 articulated bus with a Vetter body - was also available for test participants in Bonn. “Old timer” added a nostalgic touch to the event, showing what evolution has taken place in bus technology over nearly five decades.?

?? MORE THAN JUST A TEST?

The event was more than just a platform for competition; it was a gathering of industry leaders, experts and enthusiasts who share a commitment to the development of sustainable urban transportation. For Solaris, it was also a unique opportunity to showcase innovations, past achievements and further development plans in the area of zero-emission buses. ?

“It's nice to see?how technology go ahead.?Every year the test is being done?but every year?something new pop up in the industry,” said Riccardo Schiavo , Sustainable Bus.?

?? WATCH THE VIDEO WITH THE URBINO 18 ELECTRIC IN THE MAIN ROLE:

?? PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT - click here.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: The full version of Solaris Customer Magazine is accessible at www.magazine.solarisbus.com ???

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