Solaris to supply ATM Milano with 250 electric buses

The Milan carrier ATM Milano intends to phase out diesel buses by 2030.

An essential milestone on this path was the launch of a huge tender for the supply of up to 250 electric buses. The total value of the framework agreement may amount to up to €192 million ($217 million). The delivery of the first batch of 40 buses is to begin in June 2020. Consequently, in 2019, Solaris will strengthen its position as European leader in terms of orders secured for e-buses.

The framework agreement for the supply of up to 250 electric buses in total for ATM Milano is one of the biggest contracts awarded to Solaris so far and the biggest commission for electric buses in Europe. The Milan operator endeavours to phase out diesel buses completely by 2030 and the producer of Urbino electric buses is to play a significant role in this e-mobility revolution.

The buses Milan has gone for, i.e. Urbino 12 electric, are a flagship product of the Polish manufacturer. Proving its reliability every day on the streets of dozens of European cities in 17 states across the continent, this particular model won in 2017 the most prestigious award in the bus industry - the “Bus of the Year 2017” title.

The 12-metre Urbino electric will be equipped with batteries of the Solaris High Energy type with a total capacity of over 240 kWh. The electric power in those batteries will be recharged by means of an inverted pantograph, i.e. a device lowered from the charging pole to the vehicle roof, and a classic plug-in device in the bus depot. The drive unit will consist of an electric axle with two integrated electric engines of 110 kW each.

The benefits of an electric bus consist extremely low noise production, reduced vibration and, above all, no local emissions, a factor that will certainly increase the travel comfort of Milan inhabitants. In addition, the comfortable and spacious interior will be fitted with a series of state-of-the-art solutions, i.e. USB ports enabling the recharging of mobile devices, a passenger information system and a video surveillance system, which will increase both travel comfort and safety. Moreover, the driver will have screens displaying a view of the doors and the pantograph, and a rear-view reversing camera at his or her disposal.

The spacious air-conditioned passenger compartment can fit up to 82 people, of whom 26 are seated. The vehicle will be adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities: a functional bay and 14 seats accessible from the low floor will facilitate the travel.

In Milan itself, the Urbino model has been known since 2014. 150 Solaris buses, including 25 with an electric drive, are already in use in the capital of Northern Italy. So far, the Polish manufacturer has supplied over 40 battery buses for the Italian market. Apart from Milan, they were bought by operators from Bergamo and Bolzano. Moreover, the latest one will have 12 Solaris hydrogen buses delivered in 2021.