[New photos & video] Solaris makes its U.S. debut with the world premiere of the Urbino 40 electric at APTA 2026

From October 5 to 7, Solaris is taking part in APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago. On the opening day, October 5, at 3 PM, the company unveiled the Solaris Urbino 40 electric – a bus developed specifically for the North American market, marking Solaris’ U.S. debut. Visit us at Solaris Booth #419.

Solaris is bringing its public transit expertise to North America. With 30,000 vehicles delivered worldwide, the company helps transit agencies meet their zero-emission goals with proven technology, local support, and operational reliability. At APTA TRANSform in Chicago, October 5, at 3 PM, at Booth #419, Solaris unveiled the Solaris Urbino 40 electric, a battery-electric bus designed specifically for North American transit agencies.

WORLD PREMIERE AT APTA 2026

Built on a dedicated electric platform and designed to meet local requirements, Solaris Urbino 40 electric combines operational efficiency, safety, and accessibility. The bus features a roof-mounted battery system, designed to facilitate demanding daily operations and meet transit agencies’ range requirements. The roof-mounted configuration also improves safety and simplifies maintenance. The Solaris Urbino 40 electric incorporates a range of advanced technologies, including Solaris-developed solutions for battery integration and vehicle monitoring, as well as an energy-efficient HVAC system, integrated Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS), and advanced driver assistance solutions.

DESIGNED FOR SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND DRIVER COMFORT

The Urbino 40 electric was designed with a strong focus on operator safety, security, and comfort. The bus features a fully enclosed operator compartment, exterior rear-view cameras, and cornering lights. The ergonomic cockpit is designed to ensure driver comfort throughout the workday.

The passenger area is designed for efficient passenger flow, accessibility, and easy maintenance. Wide aisles and multifunctional accessible spaces support safe and convenient travel for all passengers. With its combination of safety, reliability, and zero-emission performance, the Solaris Urbino 40 electric provides transit agencies with a future-ready solution for urban transportation. 

SOLARIS EXPANDS ITS NORTH AMERICAN PRESENCE

Solaris offers 40-foot and 60-foot zero-emission buses for the North American market. The first deliveries of Solaris battery-electric buses to the U.S. market will be made to King County Metro Seattle and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. The company also supplies trolleybuses to TransLink Vancouver, Canada.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

As part of the CAF Group since 2018, Solaris complements CAF’s strong U.S. presence in rail with a leading zero-emission bus portfolio. CAF has decades of experience serving transit agencies across the United States with rail solutions.

Solaris is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of city and intercity buses. The company has delivered 30,000 vehicles to 900 cities in 34 countries. Today, the company’s portfolio is centered on zero-emission vehicles: battery-electric buses, hydrogen-fuel-cell buses, and trolleybuses.

Building on decades of experience in zero-emission transportation, its first North American contracts, and a growing U.S. presence, Solaris is bringing proven technology, local manufacturing, and dedicated customer support to transit agencies across North America.

Visit Solaris at Booth #419 at APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, October 5-7, and discover the new Urbino 40 electric for the North American market.