It is 1996. The first buses manufactured at the newly established factory in the Greater Poland region leave the production line. These are 12-metre diesel-powered vehicles painted in the yellow and green colours of Poznań’s public transport operator, MPK Poznań.

What else makes them special? They are the first low-floor city buses manufactured in Poland. Until then, high-floor buses had been the standard in Polish public transport, requiring passengers to climb steep steps to board. The introduction of low-floor access, opening up new possibilities for wheelchair users, passengers travelling with young children, and people with reduced mobility, marked a true breakthrough in the history of Polish public transportation.

During its very first year of operation, the company also built its first special-purpose vehicle: a mobile blood donation centre. Another unusual order soon followed: a mobile beauty salon. From the very beginning, it was clear that Solaris was a company that would not only respond to change over the next three decades but often anticipate it.

Three years later, in 1999, the company unveiled its first proprietary model: the Solaris Urbino 12. Designed entirely by Polish engineers, the bus featured a distinctive asymmetrical windscreen from the outset. Its shape was specifically developed to improve driver ergonomics and visibility.
The launch of the Urbino marked the beginning of Solaris’ own technological and product identity. It demonstrated that the team in Bolechowo possessed the expertise necessary to develop proprietary solutions and build the brand’s technological independence.

Shortly after introducing the 12-metre bus, Solaris presented additional vehicle lengths: first the Urbino 15, then the Urbino 18, and in 2000 the compact Urbino 9.

Only five years after its founding, the company took its first step towards zero-emission technologies. In 2001, Solaris introduced its first trolleybus, the Trollino 12, which became the first emission-free vehicle in the company’s portfolio. Two years later, trolleybuses were equipped with batteries enabling them to operate beyond the overhead catenary network.

The decision to invest in battery technologies at such an early stage would prove highly beneficial. Being a pioneer brought invaluable experience, knowledge and, ultimately, a leadership position in the segment.

During the final years of the first decade, Solaris introduced the second and then the third generation of the Urbino family. These product lines saw the debut of new models, such as the Alpino 8.6 and the low-entry Urbino 12 LE, as well as more advanced propulsion systems, including CNG and hybrid versions.

The launch of the Urbino 18 Hybrid represented another major milestone. It became the first mass-produced hybrid bus in the European Union. At its premiere during the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hanover, Krzysztof Olszewski stated: “Diesel is dead! Long live electric!”.

Time would prove this decision to be visionary. Today, nearly 90% of the vehicles leaving the Bolechowo factory are electrically powered.

A true breakthrough came in 2011, when Solaris launched its first fully electric vehicle: the Urbino 8.9 LE electric. 

Initially, the bus offered a range of approximately 100 kilometres on a single charge. Over time, however, battery performance improved significantly. Today, ranges exceeding 600 kilometres have become the norm. 

The first battery-electric bus revolutionised the company’s portfolio and opened a completely new chapter in its technological development.

In 2014, Solaris introduced the fourth generation of the Urbino family. The changes were immediately noticeable. A completely new design language, a dynamic front styling, redesigned side panels, a new lighting system, and numerous interior improvements made the buses more spacious, enhanced driver comfort, and increased operational safety.

The company also delivered a vehicle using hydrogen fuel cell technology as an auxiliary power source. This was the Solaris Urbino 18.75 electric supplied to Hamburger Hochbahn. The project represented another important step towards the deployment of innovative zero-emission propulsion systems.

The Urbino 12 electric went on to win the prestigious international Bus Euro Test 2017, becoming the first battery-electric bus in the competition’s history to receive the award. This recognition further strengthened Solaris’ reputation across the European market.

Solaris’ third decade has been defined by a strong focus on the development of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

In 2019, the company launched the Urbino 12 hydrogen, a bus in which electricity is generated onboard through a hydrogen fuel cell. What many initially regarded as a groundbreaking concept would, only a few years later, be transporting thousands of passengers in 50 cities across Europe.

Solaris also continued to develop hybrid technologies, adding the Urbino 18 and Urbino 12 equipped with a new-generation mild hybrid system to its portfolio.
In 2020, the company presented its first battery-electric bus dedicated to intercity transport: the Urbino 15 LE electric. The model quickly found popularity, particularly in Scandinavian markets.

The Solaris R&D team continued to innovate, carefully listening to the needs of operators, passengers and drivers. The company developed a platform for 24-metre zero-emission vehicles. The articulated Trollino 24 trolleybus and the battery-electric Urbino 24 electric attracted attention not only because of their size but also because of their impressive passenger capacity.

The final years of the third decade have not brought any slowdown. Quite the opposite, Solaris has accelerated the pace of technological development. New zero-emission vehicle variants have been introduced, including the Urbino 9 LE electric, Urbino 18 hydrogen and Urbino 10.5 electric.

The company also unveiled its modular drive concept, providing greater interior space and increased configuration flexibility. At the same time, development work is underway on vehicles tailored specifically for the North American market and the intercity transport segment.

Thirty years of innovation have allowed Solaris to continuously shape the future of urban mobility. The fourth decade will be no different.

The manufacturer aims to expand its presence in North America and is already delivering its first contracts for Canadian and American operators. Solaris is also preparing for the launch of a dedicated bus for the U.S. market, scheduled to be unveiled in Chicago in autumn 2026.

At the same time, advanced work is being carried out on a new generation of hydrogen buses and a new family of zero-emission intercity vehicles.

New production facilities are also being established in Środa Wielkopolska and the United States.

Today, Solaris is one of Europe’s leading providers of zero-emission mobility solutions, continuously developing electric and hydrogen technologies for cities around the world.

The key to this success has been a relentless focus on technological advancement and the constant evolution of propulsion systems, from traditional diesel engines, through hybrid and natural gas technologies, to advanced battery-electric and hydrogen solutions.

Yet technology alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Behind it lies experience, expertise and, above all, the commitment of 4,000 employees. Every innovation has been made possible by people: engineers, designers, technicians, production workers and specialists from numerous disciplines who, for three decades, have developed their skills and embraced new technological challenges.

For thirty years, Solaris has been helping shape the future of public transportation and has become one of the most important players in the European market. Built on strong foundations, we look ahead with confidence, ready to continue developing new technologies and transforming the way people move around cities. Another decade of challenges, dynamic growth and shared successes lies before us.

Agata Stańda
CEO, Solaris Bus & Coach