InterUrbino and Hybrid: Solaris at Busworld Kortrijk

On 16-21 October 2009, Solaris Bus & Coach will once again present latest innovations at Busworld Kortrijk exhibition. The highlights in hall 4, stand 404 will be the new high-floor intercity bus Solaris InterUrbino and the

environmentally-friendly Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid.

Solaris takes to the floor of Europe’s leading bus exhibition Busworld Kortrijk with two new products. Tailored to the requirements of intercity operation is the new Solaris InterUrbino. This high-floor intercity bus offers highest comfort in regional bus operation. With its comprehensive specifications packages and thanks to its competitive price, the Solaris InterUrbino will be an extremely attractive choice for operators.

The Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid uses a hybrid drive system developed especially for standard-length buses to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Solaris has realised this climate-friendly hybrid city bus in cooperation with experienced components supplier Eaton. The Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid drive combining a small diesel engine with an electric motor.

Solaris InterUrbino

As an intercity bus, the Solaris InterUrbino shows its strengths in a variety of different operational environments. With its flexible design, the new Solaris star is a true all-rounder. Four comprehensive specification packages allow the bus to be tailored exactly to its customers’ requirements, opening up exciting new possibilities.

Comfort and longevity are the focus at the heart of the robust chassis and body of the Solaris InterUrbino. Its frame is constructed entirely out of stainless steel, while the roof and side panels are made from stainless steel and aluminium. Under the floor, large-volume boot space is provided. Wide doors - available for the centre of the bus as single or double doors - together with shallow steps create entrance areas that are easy and comfortable to use. A wheelchair lift is optionally available for the centre doors.

Comfortable seats for up to 53 passengers make for an enjoyable journey on board the 12-metre bus. For use on regional bus routes, the Solaris InterUrbino may be fitted with a multi-purpose area opposite the centre doors, either as a fixed layout or with removable seats. In private hire work, a fully seated vehicle provides an efficient and economic solution for large groups. A 13-metre version of the Solaris InterUrbino is under preparation and will offer extra seats for added value.

The gleaming white Solaris InterUrbino in the spotlight at Busworld Kortrijk is one of the first of its kind to have been built. Its specifications are tailored to the specific demands of Polish intercity duties. After the completion of a set of demanding tests, volume production will start in early 2010.

Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid

The parallel hybrid system of the Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid was supplied by Eaton and is specially designed for buses with a length of up to twelve metres. The electric motor has a peak power output of 44 kW. Four lithium-ion batteries provide energy storage and are mounted under seats.

With peak power requirements being met electrically, the diesel engine has been downsized to reflect the reduced load. The Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid uses a 6.7-litre Cummins diesel engine rated at 162 kW (220 PS), which meets the demanding EEV emissions standard. The Eaton hybrid system is matched to an automated six-speed gearbox, where the power supplied by the two engines is combined.

Furthermore, Solaris’s engineers - working in partnership with their Eaton colleagues - have included an automatic start-stop system. When the bus is stationary and the diesel engine is not required, it automatically switches itself off and will only resume its work when it is needed for acceleration. This means dramatically reduced emissions particularly at bus stops - a clear benefit of the Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid for passengers and the environment.