The Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen has been announced as the winner of the prestigious busplaner Innovation Award 2025 in the “Hydrogen Bus” category. This is yet another recognition for this zero-emission vehicle.
The Innovation Award is an international competition organized by the editorial team of the German magazine “busplaner”, one of the most influential trade publications in Europe. In this year’s reader poll, the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen took first place in the “Hydrogen Bus” category.
The Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen provides zero-emission urban transport, powered primarly by hydrogen. At its core is a fuel cell that functions like a miniature power plant converting hydrogen into electricity, which is then transferred to the drive system. The bus can accommodate up to 140 passengers. One additional advantage of hydrogen buses is their relatively short refueling time — a full refill takes about 20 minutes. The vehicle offers a range of up to 600 km.
The rapid growth of the hydrogen bus segment is truly impressive, and Solaris hydrogen vehicles have become the first choice for operators across Europe. In 2024, hydrogen buses from Solaris accounted for as much as 69% of all registered hydrogen buses. The Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen is already operating in cities such Aschaffenburg, Cologne, Essen, Güstrow, Wupperral, and Barcelona, with further contracts underway for many other cities.
Over the years, Solaris has been recognized by the “busplaner” editorial team and the magazine’s readers in the following categories: “Intercity Bus” for the Urbino 9 LE electric (2022), „Electric Bus” for the Urbino 15 LE electric (2021), „Concept Vehicle” for the Urbino 12 hydrogen (2019, “Innovation of the Year” for the new Urbino 12 electric (2018), Urbino 18.75 electric (2014), and Urbino 8.9 LE electric (2012).
In the photo: Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach, with the busplaner award.
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
