Bonn once again

tests

e-mobility [video]

From March 17-21, 2025, the seventh edition of the electric bus comparison tests, organized by the “Omnibusspiegel” magazine, took place in Bonn. Among the competing vehicles was the Urbino 12 electric – an enhanced version of Solaris’s flagship model.

e-mobility

Date of publication: April 1, 2025

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Ebus Test in Bonn showcases innovations in the industry and the challenges associated with electric vehicles in Europe. This year’s event attracted over 120 European experts, transport operators, and journalists.

Tym razem testowano 12-metrowe autobusy elektryczne czterech producentów: Iveco, Scania, VDL oraz Solaris. Przez kilka dni pojazdy sprawdzano na wymagających trasach w Bonn, oceniając ich osiągi, zużycie energii, oraz komfort jazdy z perspektywy kierowcy i pasażerów. Pod lupą znalazła się również łatwość obsługi serwisowej.

Każdy z testowanych autobusów pokonał kilkaset kilometrów w ruchu miejskim, a za kierownicą każdego z pojazdów zasiadło kilkudziesięciu kierowców. W tym roku e-busy testowano także nocą, sprawdzając komfort jazdy po zmroku.

Ebus Test jest wspierany przez SWB – przedsiębiorstwo transportu publicznego w Bonn, które zapewnia przestrzeń zajezdni do testów i wsparcie operacyjne. Warto dodać, że we flocie SWB od wielu lat znajdują się autobusy elektryczne marki Solaris – 3 sztuki Urbino 18 electric.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS IN THE URBINO 12 ELECTRIC

The Solaris Urbino 12 electric, which premiered in 2023, is built on a new drive architecture where all key components are distributed and placed in the rear of the vehicle, eliminating the need for a traditional engine compartment. The modular drive design has increased the interior space, improving vehicle mass distribution, leading to greater passenger capacity and driving comfort. The bus can accommodate up to 100 passengers, offering up to 41 seated places in the 2-door version. Design changes also allowed for better use of the roof space, housing all the batteries. The vehicle offers a battery capacity of up to 600 kWh (with the tested model having 500 kWh), providing long-range and all-day operability without the need for recharging. Two different charging options – plug-in and pantograph – increase usage flexibility.

The new electric motor in the Urbino 12 electric delivers up to 250 kW of peak power, with improved energy efficiency thanks to PSM technology. The regenerative braking system recovers energy during braking, reducing energy consumption and as a result, operational costs.

WATCH THE VIDEO REPORT FROM EBUS TEST IN BONN,
WHERE WE PRESENTED THE URBINO 12 ELECTRIC WITH A MODULAR DRIVE SYSTEM

TESTS IN BONN – AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

The tests in Bonn not only offer technical analysis but also provide an excellent opportunity for the entire industry to refine its technologies. Solaris proudly competes with other manufacturers, believing that the development and innovation in this field paves the way for new standards in public transport.