OVAG Orders 15 Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen Buses for Public Transport Expansion
Key Ideas
  • OVAG ordered 15 Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses with a 70 kW fuel cell drive supported by a battery for higher power needs.
  • The buses will be delivered in early 2025, with a plan to refuel them initially via a mobile refuelling station and later through a stationary hydrogen refuelling solution.
  • The hydrogen buses are expected to have a range of around 350 kilometers, suitable for most of OVAG's routes, with plans to overcome altitude challenges in the Oberberg district.
  • German Federal Ministry of Transport is subsidizing the purchase with 4.3 million euros, aiming to enhance public transport with eco-friendly alternatives.
OVAG, a public transport operator in the Oberberg district of Germany, has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by ordering 15 Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses from the Polish manufacturer. These buses feature a 70 kW fuel cell drive supported by a battery for additional power requirements, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly transport solutions. The initial batch of five buses is scheduled for delivery in early 2025, with the remainder to follow in the first quarter. OVAG plans to refuel these buses through a mobile station initially, with a stationary hydrogen refuelling station expected to be operational by 2026, facilitating the refuelling of the entire fleet at the Wipperfürth-Hämmern site. Despite the stated range of 350 kilometers for the Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses, OVAG anticipates challenges due to the altitude in the Oberberg district, which may slightly reduce the practical range. However, previous tests have shown promising results, especially in overcoming altitude kilometers, highlighting the efficiency of hydrogen buses in varying terrains. OVAG's initiative aligns with its commitment to sustainable transport practices, as the German Federal Ministry of Transport is supporting the purchase with a subsidy of 4.3 million euros. This investment not only enhances OVAG's public transport fleet but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy in the region.
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