Solaris, Iveco Bus, and MAN win the Sustainable Bus Awards 2026

The Solaris Urbino 10.5 Electric, the Iveco Bus Crossway Elec NF, and the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E are the three winners, respectively in the Urban, Intercity, and Coach categories of the Sustainable Bus Awards 2026.

The awards ceremony took place last night in Brussels during the Gala Night of Busworld Europe 2025.

The international jury, composed of 10 specialized journalists from across Europe, completed a thorough evaluation process involving 14 vehicles nominated across the three categories. The jury’s work resulted from several months of analysis aimed not only at assessing technical performance, but also progress in sustainability, safety, comfort, and innovation. The high level of participants demonstrates once again the dynamism and continuous evolution of the passenger transport sector, increasingly oriented toward solutions that combine efficiency, technology, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Bus Awards 2026 winners

SOLARIS Urbino 10.5 Electric wins the Sustainable Bus Award 2026 in the Urban category

The Solaris Urbino 10.5 Electric won the Sustainable Bus Award 2026 in the Urban category, an international recognition highlighting excellence in sustainable mobility and innovation applied to public transport.

The model stands out for its modular powertrain, which optimizes onboard space and facilitates maintenance operations. Equipped with a high-capacity battery of over 400 kWh and a 250 kW motor, the Urbino 10.5 offers a range of over 600 km (according to eSORT), effectively meeting the operational needs of urban fleets.

In terms of safety, the vehicle complies with GSR2 standards and is prepared for the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems. For comfort and accessibility, the model includes ECAS suspension with kneeling function, ramps for passengers with reduced mobility, and a low-noise interior environment.

Special attention has been given to sustainability: recyclability exceeds 95%, while the structure uses steel with almost 97% recycled content. The CO₂ heat pump climate system also represents a low environmental impact solution. This award confirms Solaris’ commitment to developing zero-emission buses aimed at more efficient and environmentally friendly public transport.

Iveco Bus Crossway NF ELEC wins the Sustainable Bus Award Intercity 2026

The international jury of the Sustainable Bus Award granted the recognition in the Intercity 2026 category to the Iveco Bus Crossway NF ELEC.

The Crossway is the best-selling Class II and III intercity model in Europe: since its launch in 2006, over 65,000 units have been produced in various versions, lengths, and drivetrains. Following the low-entry electric battery version, a high-floor model has now been introduced to meet the needs of a market increasingly focused on electric traction, including medium-distance intercity routes.

The vehicle is equipped with a 290 kW centralized electric powertrain, paired with modular NMC batteries up to 414 kWh, offering a range of up to 400 km, according to the company. The modular battery configuration allows operators to adapt capacity to service needs, with optimized charging times via CCS Combo 2 technology up to 240 kW.

For safety, the Crossway ELEC complies with the latest European standards, integrating systems such as AEBS, ESP, MOIS, BSIS, and DDAW. Passenger comfort is ensured with interior configurations accommodating up to 63 passengers, accessibility via a wheelchair platform, and electronically controlled pneumatic suspension.

Digital features include the Iveco On portal, offering fleet management services, consumption analysis, and predictive maintenance. From a sustainability perspective, the vehicle is produced in an ISO 14001, 5001, 45001, and 9001 certified facility, using recycled materials and technical solutions to reduce environmental impact. This award confirms the Crossway ELEC as a technological benchmark in the intercity segment, combining innovation, safety, and sustainability for the European market.

The Sustainable Bus Award 2026 in the Coach category goes to the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E

The international jury recognized the MAN Lion’s Coach E as the winner in the Coach category.

The vehicle is equipped with a fully electric powertrain with continuous power of 330 kW and battery capacity up to 534 kWh, allowing fast charging and a range suitable for long-distance operations.

According to the manufacturer, the high-capacity configuration allows a range of up to 650 km, depending on conditions and use.

For safety, the MAN Lion’s Coach E features an advanced driver-assistance package, including Emergency Brake Assist Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, the OptiView mirror replacement system, and MAN AttentionGuard, ensuring compliance with the latest active and passive safety standards.

For comfort, the vehicle offers a wide range of interior configurations and accessibility solutions, supported by onboard digital systems and extended connectivity via the RIO platform.

From a sustainability perspective, the model achieves over 95% component recyclability, is produced in internationally certified facilities, and integrates responsible battery lifecycle management. This recognition highlights the MAN Lion’s Coach E as a technological reference for sustainable long-distance passenger mobility.