Solaris is betting one towerless platform can serve battery and fuel cell buses alike, cutting the cost of carrying two drivetrains
Solaris is showing two zero-emission buses at the Transexpo public transport fair in Kielce, Poland, from 14 to 16 October 2026, with its compact Urbino 10,5 electric making a first Polish appearance. Alongside sits a new-generation Urbino 12 hydrogen, and both use the towerless platform now common to the latest Urbino models.
At 10.5 metres, the electric bus seats 33 of up to 85 passengers and has a turning circle under 17 metres, suiting narrow streets where a 12-metre bus can struggle. It took the Urban title at the Sustainable Bus Award 2026 after a world debut at Busworld in Brussels in October 2025.
A 240kW motor draws on Solaris High Energy batteries of up to 400kW/h, which charge by plug or pantograph and last a full day without top-ups. Without the tower, the e-bus gains cabin space and freer placement of major components, and a CO₂ heat pump handles air conditioning.
On the hydrogen model, the same layout adds rear seats and eases service access to roof-mounted parts. A fuel cell of over 70kW feeds a central traction motor, with a battery covering demand peaks and storing braking energy. Intelligent Speed Assistance, blind-spot monitoring and driver drowsiness alerts are also fitted.
Running battery and fuel cell drivetrains on one architecture gives Solaris a common base as it marks its 30th year. The company plans to add production capacity and new segments, consolidate its zero-emission bus business in Europe and expand into North America.
Source: Solaris
Source: www.automotiveworld.com
