Along with the implementation of a modern low-floor tramway system the Belgian city of Liège will introduce high-capacity double-articulated e-buses.
Solaris is the winner of a public tender process for delivery of up to 45 units of its Urbino 24 electric model, marking the largest tender to date for Solaris’s double-articulated buses. The first firm order, placed for 18 units, was secured by Wallonia’s regional transport company (Opérateur de transport de Wallonie – TEC), which manages transport in the city of Liège. The first 5 buses from this order will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining 13 units arriving in 2026.
The distinctive 24-meter length of these double-articulated buses allows for high passenger capacity, making them particularly suitable for high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. The Urbino 24 electric buses are fully emission-free at the point of use, promoting sustainable urban transport and enhancing quality of life for city residents. These buses will feature the unique MetroStyle design.
Each 24-meter electric bus will run on two powered electric axles, using next-generation Solaris High Energy batteries with a total capacity of around 800 kWh per bus. Charging will be done via a plug-in connection. Advanced driver-assistance systems will be included, such as a 270° camera system for monitoring the bus surroundings and enhanced visibility cameras replacing traditional mirrors. With 50 seats on board, passengers will also have USB charging ports for mobile devices. The buses will incorporate modern LED lighting throughout the interior. To support efficient fleet management, the Urbino 24 electric MetroStyle buses will come equipped with the eSConnect diagnostic system, enhancing operational efficiency and simplifying maintenance.
Solaris first presented the 24-meter model at Busworld Europe 2019, designing it exclusively for zero-emission vehicles, including electric buses and trolleybuses. Solaris has since delivered 50 double-articulated buses, 14 of which are electric models operating in Aalborg, Denmark, and 36 as double-articulated trolleybuses for transit systems in Prague and Bratislava.
