In early September, Cologne operator Regionalverkehr Köln (RVK) introduced its first Solaris hydrogen-powered articulated buses into service. The buses are part of an order placed in September last year for 18 of the type, which join 46 Solaris 12m hydrogen buses already operating.
Solaris is currently fulfilling an order for 20 additional hydrogen buses, placed in March this year, including nine 12-metre and eleven 18-metre buses, upon completion of which RVK will have a fleet of 84 hydrogen-powered Solaris buses, the largest in Europe.
The buses delivered to RVK are equipped with a 100kW fuel cell system, and can be refuelled with over 50 kilograms of hydrogen, stored in eight tanks located on the roof. The buses feature a high-efficiency air-conditioning system with heat pump, an advanced monitoring and passenger information system, as well as numerous systems to support the driver.
RVK has been implementing its zero-emission and hydrogen strategy for many years, working with manufacturers including Solaris and Wrightbus as well as Van Hool.
