Representatives of the public transport authority Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego (ZTM) in Lublin and the management of Solaris have signed three contracts for the supply of a total of 20 electric buses and 15 trolleybuses, worth over PLN 106m. The new vehicles ordered by ZTM include 15 articulated Solaris Trollino 18 trolleybuses and 20 Urbino 12 electric buses. The delivery dates are staggered over the period from November 2020 (five trolleybuses) to April 2021 (10 trolleybuses) and September 2021 (20 electric buses). 
“The contracts signed today mark another step towards establishing Lublin as a centre of electromobility. For years, modern city transport – green and all-around user-friendly – has been an objective of ours. Thanks to investments in electric buses and trolleybuses Lublin already meets the target of a 25% share of electric vehicles in the operator’s total fleet, while putting the city at the forefront of electromobility systems in Poland. In 2021, that proportion will change radically, soaring to a 50% share of electric vehicles in the public transport fleet,” said Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of Lublin.
“I am immensely happy that Lublin is steadily expanding its fleet of zero-emission vehicles in public transport. Resident- and environment-friendly, quiet electric drives represent the best solution for public transport. Lublin is one of the first cities we have supplied so far, starting with bus deliveries all the way back in 1996. I am grateful for over 20 years of cooperation and trust,” commented Petros Spinaris, Deputy CEO of Solaris.
The Urbino 12 electric buses will be fitted with 116kWh Solaris High Power batteries tailored to frequent and fast recharging, driving a 160kW motor. Recharging will be performed via a roof-mounted pantograph, and plug-in connectors will be used for overnight charging at the depot. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are mounted on the roof, enabling optimised energy use by the various bus systems.
Solaris will also supply the infrastructure needed for recharging. Four pantograph chargers with a power of 450kW each for fast daytime recharging will be placed at the bus terminal at Choiny and in the bus depot at Grygowej Street. Another 10 stationary chargers enabling the concurrent charging of two buses with a power of 40kW, and two mobile 40kW chargers will be located at the same depot. The Trollino 18 articulated buses will also be fitted with Solaris High Power batteries with a capacity of 58kWh. These will enable the vehicle to operate away from the overhead wires, such as in case of diversions or for short extensions to existing routes. All of the vehicles will be equipped with an air-conditioning system cooling the driver’s work space and the passenger compartment. LED lighting will be standard, and USB charging ports will be fitted, along with internal and external CCTV cameras.
