Solaris Bus & Coach has won a tender to supply 19 hydrogen buses to the operator SWK Mobil Krefeld in Germany. The order includes two models: Urbino 12 hydrogen and articulated Urbino 18 hydrogen buses. These hydrogen-powered vehicles will expand the operator’s modern zero-emission fleet as early as 2027.
Solaris Bus & Coach has secured another order for hydrogen buses. The German operator SWK Mobil Krefeld has decided to purchase 9 zero-emission Urbino 12 hydrogen buses and 10 articulated Urbino 18 hydrogen buses. The zero-emission Solaris vehicles will be delivered to the western German city of Krefeld in 2027.
The buses covered by the contract will be powered by energy from hydrogen fuel cells, which is then transferred to the electric drivetrain. The 12-metre vehicles will be equipped with a central motor with an output of 160 kW, while the articulated buses will feature a 240 kW motor. The vehicles will be fitted with, among other features, camera systems replacing traditional mirrors, as well as systems enhancing driver safety and passenger comfort. On board, there will also be solutions improving accessibility, including ramps and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs.
The cooperation between Solaris and SWK Mobil Krefeld dates back to 2011. This is also not the first order from this operator for hydrogen-powered buses. In 2023, the operator decided to purchase 10 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses, which were delivered in 2025 and joined the city’s zero-emission fleet.
As with the previous hydrogen bus order from Solaris, SWK Mobil Krefeld has chosen to support its fleet management processes with eSConnect. This proprietary tool, developed by the manufacturer, provides full access to data needed to assess vehicle performance and plan further fleet operations.
To date, Solaris has delivered over 800 hydrogen buses serving passengers in dozens of cities across the continent. The German market is among the most active in this segment – half of all delivered Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses have gone to Germany. These vehicles are already in operation in 18 cities, with the manufacturer continuing to fulfil further orders for operators in the country.
Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is a leading producer of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses on the development of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. Over 25,000 Solaris vehicles have been delivered so far and they ply the streets in 850 towns and cities across 33 countries located throughout Europe as well as beyond it. Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland. All activities undertaken by the company are in line with its mission, which is reflected in the brand’s promise: to change the image of public transport. Solaris also actively partners with public transport operators and provides them with comprehensive support in their transition to zero-emission mobility. Solaris products have been repeatedly awarded for quality and innovation. The Urbino 18 hydrogen bus has won the prestigious 'Bus of the Year 2025' title.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
Institutional Partnerships and External Relations Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
