GERMANY Solaris Bus & Coach has won two contracts to deliver Urbino 12 electrics to German customers. The first was signed with VAG Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft, a public transport operator from Nurnberg for a single bus while a nearly identical vehicle will be delivered to Infra Fürth Verkehr GmbH, from the neighbouring city of Fürth. Delivery is expected by the end of the year.
In both instances, these will be the first fully electric buses operated. The contracts aim to test the technology used by the manufacturer and to familiarise local people with the kind of alternative driven vehicles used in public transportation.
Both of the emission-free buses will be equipped with ZF AVE 130 electric axles, integrated electric motors and Medcom drive systems. The drive as well as the air-conditioning and heating will be powered by the energy stored in 240kWh batteries. Both vehicles will be charged via a plug-in system that allows overnight charging at the depot. Additionally, they will have a charger mounted on the roof that will enable them to be charged outside of the depot. They will also be prepared for the future instalment of a pantograph that will allow fast charging on route.
Internally the vehicles have LED lighting that include red warning LEDs flashing when the doors are operating. Onboard both there will also be a monitoring system consisting of eight cameras that will allow the driver to observe and control what’s happening on and around the vehicle. Amongst other aspects, the system will be an aid while manoeuvring.
The seating layout for the two buses will be different, that for Nurnberg having 20 seats and additionally three tip ups. Its equivalent from Fürth will accommodate 28 seated passengers and have another five folded seats. Solaris buses have been operating in Nurnberg since 2005. There are 28 on the road. Eight articulated Urbino 18s were delivered to VAG Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft during April while in Fürth there are two Solaris Urbino 12s already in service.
