In recent weeks, Solaris Bus & Coach has successfully secured contracts to supply 88 electric buses to the Swedish market. Nobina, a major transport operator in Sweden, has placed orders for these electric buses to enhance their fleet in three key regions: Skåne, Värmland, and Malmö. The order includes both the articulated Urbino 18 electric and the Urbino 15 LE electric, a model specifically designed for the Scandinavian market and approved for interurban services. Deliveries are expected to occur in 2024 and 2025.
Solaris Bus & Coach, a prominent player in the European e-mobility sector, continues to reinforce its position as a leading provider of environmentally friendly urban transport solutions. This latest order from Nobina underscores Solaris' commitment to supporting sustainable public transport initiatives. Nobina has ordered a total of 88 electric buses, consisting of 55 units of the Urbino 15 LE electric for the Skåne region, 15 units for Värmland, and 18 units of the Urbino 18 electric for the city of Malmö.
Olivier Michard, Member of the Management Board for Sales and Marketing at Solaris Bus & Coach, expressed his enthusiasm for the new orders, stating, “These new orders mark another significant step towards greener public transport solutions in Sweden. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Nobina and be a part of the implementation of zero-emission solutions also in suburban transportation. We believe it is crucial for the global transformation of mobility.”
The buses ordered for the Skåne and Värmland regions are the Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric. This low-entry, three-axle electric bus is designed for both urban and suburban service and is gaining popularity in Sweden. Each bus will be powered by a 240 kW central motor, drawing energy from Solaris High Energy batteries with a total capacity of over 560 kWh. This configuration ensures smooth operation throughout the day, with overnight charging facilitated by a plug-in system. Notable features of this model include the Scandinavian package, which adapts the buses to challenging weather conditions, and additional outside lighting above the doors to assist passengers boarding and alighting at dusk.
For the city of Malmö, Nobina has opted for the Urbino 18 electric, an articulated model with a modular drive system. Built on a new modular-drive system architecture and equipped with the latest battery technology, the Urbino 18 electric features a 240 kW asynchronous motor and new-generation Solaris High Energy batteries, all located on the roof of the vehicle. This advanced setup ensures efficient and reliable performance, catering to the demands of urban public transport.
Solaris has established itself as the European leader in e-mobility, holding the top position in the total number of zero-emission buses delivered since 2012. The electrification of transportation in Europe is progressing rapidly, and this trend is evident in Sweden. These new contracts follow significant agreements made last year, with deliveries scheduled for 2024, including 55 Urbino 15 LE electric buses for suburban services in Stockholm for Nobina and 23 Solaris e-buses for VR Kristianstad.
