Frankfurt orders its first fuel cell buses from Solaris
Solaris has sold 13 fuel cell buses in Frankfurt. The buses are to be deployed on target routes in 2022. The Polish company announces it has won a tender call made by the company In-der-City-Bus which is in charge of public transport in Frankfurt. A batch of 15 units is headed to Cologne, another 20 will make their way in the Netherlands. 12 Solaris Urbino hydrogen are […]
Solaris has sold 13 fuel cell buses in Frankfurt. The buses are to be deployed on target routes in 2022. The Polish company announces it has won a tender call made by the company In-der-City-Bus which is in charge of public transport in Frankfurt. A batch of 15 units is headed to Cologne, another 20 will make their way in the Netherlands. 12 Solaris Urbino hydrogen are also bound to Bolzano.
Hydrogen technologies for Frankfurt public transport
The technology used in the Urbino hydrogen makes for absolutely environmentally friendly transport, thanks to the use of energy supplied by a fuel cell (of 70 kW) provided by Ballard Power Systems; the sole by-products of the chemical reaction that takes place in it are heat and steam.
Electric power generated in the process of reverse electrolysis is transferred directly to the driveline, consisting of an axle with electric motors. What is more, each bus will be fitted with an additional electric power storage facility, i.e. a Solaris High Power battery. The hydrogen needed to propel the bus will be stored in gaseous form, in roof-stacked tanks.
ADAS systems for the Solaris Urbino hydrogen in Frankfurt
The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses will be fitted with a Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions that support the driver’s work, including the MirrorEye system in which cameras replace conventional side mirrors thus improving road visibility for the driver. The camera view is transmitted to the in-vehicle displays. Interestingly, the screens can also show distance indicator lines for various parts of the bus, for instance its rear, particular doors or the axles, which will make it easier, and above all safer, for the driver to manoeuvre and to park.
“Cities are responsible for 60% of CO2 emissions, so it is extremely important to allow the technologies used in every aspect of the city’s operation to “turn green” – including public transport. We are proud that the products offered by us contribute to this green transformation and that they have a tangible impact on improving the quality of life of city residents. I am very pleased to notice the growing interest in hydrogen buses which are a perfect supplement of our e-mobility portfolio,” remarks Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o
