Solaris has unveiled the Urbino 40 electric for North America at APTA TRANSform & EXPO

Solaris has made its U.S. debut at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 in Chicago with the world premiere of the Urbino 40 electric, developed specifically for the North American market.

The Polish bus manufacturer unveiled the 40-foot battery-electric model on October 5 at APTA TRANSform & EXPO, taking place in Chicago from October 5 to 7. According to Solaris, the vehicle has been developed on a dedicated electric platform and adapted to North American technical and operational requirements. Solaris bus range for the region will include a 18-meter version.

The launch comes as Solaris starts its first battery-electric bus activities in the United States. Solaris currently has orders for ten electric buses in North America: King County Metro has ordered two 40-foot and two 60-foot vehicles (with option for further 14 units), while San Francisco has contracted three standard and three articulated buses.

“Since these initial contracts are not subject to Buy America requirements, the buses will be manufactured at our facilities in Poland. Our longterm strategy, however, is to establish production capacity in the United States. To achieve this, we plan to leverage the existing manufacturing footprint of CAF’s rail facility in Elmira, New York, which will serve as a natural base for Solaris’ future U.S. operations”, told us Félix Fernández, CEO of CAF USA and President of Solaris North America. A larger order of trolleybuses was achieved in Canada.

Solaris Urbino 40 electric developed for North American transit agencies

Technical details that we anticipated last week included a battery capacity exceeding 500 kWh, a stated range of more than 150 miles and a maximum speed of 65 mph. Solaris also stated that the central-motor drivetrain allows the bus to negotiate gradients exceeding 20%. The 12.19-metre model adopts a Low Entry configuration, with a low-floor front passenger area followed by a raised rear section, a North America industry standard.

The vehicle integrates battery technology and monitoring solutions developed by Solaris, together with an energy-efficient HVAC system and an integrated Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS). Advanced driver assistance systems are also included in the platform, according to the manufacturer.

The operator area features a fully enclosed compartment, exterior rear-view cameras and cornering lights. The cockpit has been developed for full-shift operation, with Solaris placing particular attention on ergonomics and driver working conditions.

Passenger accommodation includes wide aisles and multifunctional accessible areas.

Solaris targets U.S. market with 40- and 60-foot zero-emission buses

The Urbino 40 electric forms part of a North American range that Solaris says will comprise 40-foot and 60-foot zero-emission buses.

Solaris is part of CAF Group, which acquired the bus manufacturer in 2018. CAF already operates in the U.S. rail sector, while Solaris’ entry adds battery-electric buses to the group’s North American public transport activities.

According to Solaris, it has delivered 30,000 vehicles to 900 cities in 34 countries. Its current zero-emission portfolio comprises battery-electric buses, hydrogen fuel-cell buses and trolleybuses.

The company says its North American activities will also include local manufacturing and customer support.