Ten years ago, Jaworzno became the first city in Poland to deploy an electric bus, launching an ambitious strategy to build a zero-emission public transport system. Today, 49 electric Solaris buses operate in the city, covering more than 80% of all routes. Their impressive combined mileage of over 23 million kilometers has contributed to a tangible improvement in air quality and the quality of life for residents.

The early days of e-mobility in Jaworzno – and in Poland – were honored during a special event attended by city officials, the public transport operator, and Solaris representatives.

ToIt was a big step – or rather, a leap into the future. No one in Poland had that kind of experience at the time. Buses in public transport cover enormous distances. Today, electric buses carry out 84% of our transport work, and we’re striving to increase that number even further.

emphasized Paweł Silbert, Mayor of the City of Jaworzno, recalling the purchase of the first bus.

Jaworzno is now one of the most advanced electromobility centers in Poland – and it has no intention of stopping there. At PKM, a contract was signed for seven more innovative, zero-emission Solaris buses. The new Urbino 12 electric vehicles will arrive in Jaworzno in the first half of 2026, increasing the share of electric buses in PKM’s fleet to an impressive 85%!

Remarkably, the very first Solaris electric bus, which began operation in 2015, is still transporting passengers in Jaworzno. Running exclusively on electric power, it has already covered more than 700,000 kilometers and is still in excellent condition.

If it were not for the counter mounted on the dashboard, few would notice that the bus behind me has already traveled 700,000 kilometers. It’s a high-quality bus, and we’re very satisfied with it. This was the first bus – it somewhat served as a test vehicle.

said Zbigniew Nosal, CEO of PKM Jaworzno

The vehicle draws power from batteries with a capacity of about 120 kWh. While modest by today’s standards, thanks to a well-designed fast pantograph charging infrastructure, the bus reliably handles daily city routes.

This bus is a living proof that the change is possible and that the electrification is a way to really provide the service that in the past we used to do with conventional buses. This bus has been driving for 700 thousand kilometers, 70 thousand kilometers per year. So it means that there’s a very high availability, it’s reliable, I am looking at it and the state is great! 

stated Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris

Under the newly signed contract, PKM has ordered 7 Urbino 12 electric buses featuring a modular drive system. The investment also includes the construction of a new charging station on Krakowska Street, tailored for electric vehicle service.

The new buses will feature a modular drive system and be equipped with the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), cameras replacing traditional mirrors, and passenger-focused amenities to enhance comfort and safety, including air conditioning, USB chargers, and surveillance systems. The vehicles will be powered by batteries with a capacity of approximately 400 kWh, ensuring optimal range, and will support both pantograph and plug-in charging.

All new vehicles are scheduled to arrive in Jaworzno in the first half of 2026.