Berlin orders 90 electric buses from Solaris

BVG, the Berlin public transport company, has once again chosen Solaris vehicles.

According to the newly signed contract, by the end of 2020, 90 emission-free buses with a length of 12 metres will be delivered to Berlin. This is one of the largest tenders for battery vehicles in Europe.

As agreed, the contract will be divided into several stages. The first bus will be delivered to Berlin early next year, followed by three more tranches: 29 units in the first quarter of 2020, 30 in the second quarter of 2020 and the last 30 in the fourth quarter of 2020.

“It is very encouraging that Berlin once again opts for the development of zero-emission public transport. The choice of 90 electric buses from the Solaris family will undoubtedly contribute to the comfort of the citizens' life. Electromobility directly translates into lower noise levels and air pollution in cities. Electromobility is the future that is becoming our reality today,” said Petros Spinaris, Vice President of the Board Solaris Bus & Coach S.A.

In 2015-2019, the Polish manufacturer contracted 35 zero-emission buses for the BVG. With the newly-signed contract, the fleet of electric vehicles from Solaris operated by this Berlin-based operator will amount to 125 units.

The Solaris Urbino 12 electric is an internationally recognised model awarded with the prestigious “Bus Of The Year 2017” title. The source of drive for these emission-free vehicles will be the electric axle with integrated electric motors. Buses will be equipped with batteries with a total nominal capacity of 300 kWh. Their charging will be possible through a plug-in system.

Each of the 90 buses ordered by BVG will accommodate 70 passengers. The comfort of driving will be influenced by such amenities as the air-conditioning system, monitoring and USB sockets available for passengers. The buses will also be equipped with a passenger information system featuring a voice announcement of the stops.