Solaris Bus & Coach has signed a contract with GZM Metropolis for the delivery of 42 Solaris Urbino electric buses featuring a modular drive. Under the agreement, the public transport operator in southern Poland, PKM Świerklaniec, will receive 24 Urbino 12 electric and 18 articulated Urbino 18 electric buses. The manufacturer will also supply and commission depot charging infrastructure. Deliveries are scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
GZM Metropolis (an association of municipalities in the Silesia region in Poland) has ordered 42 Solaris electric buses together with depot chargers. Under the newly signed contract, 24 twelve-metre and 18 eighteen-metre vehicles will be delivered to PKM Świerklaniec. This is Solaris’ second contract with the GZM Metropolis – the previous one, signed in 2022, covered 32 electric buses delivered in 2023 to operators in Katowice, Gliwice, Sosnowiec, and Świerklaniec. The new vehicles are expected to join the fleet in the first half of 2026.
The Urbino 12 electric and Urbino 18 electric models with a modular drive have been designed without an engine tower, which increases the passenger space inside the vehicle. The 12-metre buses will carry up to 70 passengers, while the articulated versions will accommodate as many as 120. Each bus will be powered by an electric motor supplied with energy from Solaris High Energy batteries with capacities of 600 kWh in the 12-metre models and 800 kWh in the articulated ones. The buses will be charged via a plug-in connector, equipped with a system that shows the charging status.
To ensure the safety of passengers and drivers, the buses will be fitted with a wide range of driver assistance and safety systems, including a speed assistant and an advanced camera monitoring system covering the bus interior as well as the areas in front and alongside the vehicle. Each bus will also feature a passenger counting system and double USB charging ports for passengers. The operator has additionally opted for the eSConnect fleet management system, which enables advanced telematics and predictive diagnostics.
Both models will also feature a preconditioning system that maintains a comfortable temperature in the driver’s cabin and passenger compartment during and after charging. The system can be managed remotely via the eSConnect platform.
Solaris is a European leader in the production and sales of zero-emission buses. More than 3,300 electric Solaris vehicles are currently in operation on the streets of European cities. The new Urbino electric buses with modular drive for GZM Katowice mark another step towards cleaner and quieter public transport in the region.
Photo: GZM Metropolis.
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
