The new Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric

On October 20, 2020 the online premiere of Solaris’ newest model – the Urbino 15 LE electric took place – for the first time as an pure online event, de to the current travel restrictions around the world.

The Urbino 15 LE electric is a three-axle, 15 meter long full-electric bus.It is pwered by a 300 kW electric motor. To boost efficiency and to reduce energy consumption even further, the propulsion was made in the innovative SIC technology, i.e. by using silicon carbide-based circuits. The motor is liquid-cooled, whereas the driving power is transmitted to the second axle of the vehicle. Energy derived from a set of 6 batteries, with a total capacity of 470 kWh, is fed into the propulsion system. 4 packs have been installed in the rear of the bus, the remaining two have been mounted on the roof.

The latest generation Solaris “High Energy+” batteries offer ranges of up to a few hundred kilometres on a single charge. The batteries can be recharged in fast mode, using a pantograph – both a conventional, roof-mounted one, as well as an inverted one, lowered onto the bus roof at the charging station. Moreover, each model of the tri-axle electric bus is fitted with a plug-in connector for recharging vehicles on the premises of a bus depot.

The newly released model features an air conditioning system with a heat pump function, which uses heat drawn in from outside to reach the right vehicle temperature. This solution allows to raise the energy efficiency of the vehicle, which translates directly to a widened driving range. The device uses carbon dioxide as the working fluid.

The first two Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric were made with Scandinavian operators in mind. That is also why the presented bus will feature special solutions in compliance with Busnordic norms and the so-called Scandinavian package. Bearing in mind the tough climate conditions, the designers made sure that both thermal and travel comfort are ensured during rides. Vehicles of this type may contain other components that facilitate their operation in difficult conditions – for instance additional high beams, a sandspreader or a cache for snow chains.

Solaris has a already produced more than 1,300 three-axle, 15 meter buses in the past. These include a number of full-eelctric trolleybuses for various operators. (based on information provided by Solaris)

Technical specifications of the Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric

Dimensions L: 14 890 mm W: 2550 mm H: 3400 mm

Front overhang 2750 mm

Wheelbase 7000 mm / 1690 mm

Rear overhang 3450 mm

VGW up to 25 t.

Door configurations: 2-2-0, 2-2-1, 1-2-0, 1-2-1

Motor: Asynchronous central traction motor

— 300 kW

— cooling: liquid

— SiC technology in driveline area

Batteries

Solaris High Energy+

Solaris High Power

Battery capacity Up to 470 kWh

Charging — Plug-in — Pantograph as an option

Axles:

— Front: independent suspension

— Drive: portal axle

— Tag: tag axle (active steering as option)

Minimum turning radius ~14,6 m

Passenger capacity up to 105 passengers depending on configuration and equipment

Seats

— 51 seats in III-door configuration

— Up to 65 seats in II door configuration

Air-conditioning – AC + hybrid heating

– AC with CO2 heat pump heating function (option)