EMT, the public bus operator of the City of Madrid, has launched 60 Solaris electric buses. The Spanish capital is committed to High Energy batteries and the charging of pantographs that will guarantee high operability in all types of conditions.
The silent and emission-free Urbino 12 electric buses are one of the most representative models of the manufacturer of Polish origin, belonging to the Spanish company CAF. The value of the contract exceeds 30 million euros and this incorporation seeks to fulfill the purpose that 25% of the fleet be electric by 2025 and no more buses with diesel engines operating on the streets of Madrid from 2023.
This implementation of buses from alternative energy sources is being done gradually: In 2021, Solaris obtained an order for 250 natural gas bus engines after winning a tender and now Madrid has increased its investment in zero-emission vehicles “I am extremely proud that entrusted such a prestigious order to Solaris. I am grateful for this incredible trust placed in us. Our company has been promoting sustainable public transport for many years, with a particular focus on zero-emission solutions. We believe that electromobility is the future and a guarantee of clean, friendly and safe cities. I am very happy that the direction taken by Madrid is consistent with our vision. Electric Urbino 12s are reliable, tried and tested, but above all completely emission-free vehicles. Not surprisingly, this model has been the most successful of all our electric vehicles. What a wonder then that now the citizens of the Spanish capital will be able to see for themselves the advantages of the model”, said Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris.
The Solaris electric vehicles that the Madrid operator has opted for will obtain state-of-the-art energy and store it in batteries of more than 400 kWh, which will ensure adequate autonomy and operability of the buses for the metropolis. Bus batteries can be recharged using an inverted pantograph, or conventionally through a standard plug-in connector.
The vehicles will have a 180 kW central motor that will allow them to move smoothly through the streets of Madrid. With a length of 12 meters, the Solaris buses will have capacity for more than 80 passengers, including 25 seated. An efficient air conditioning system, USB ports and the first-rate passenger information system ensure the comfort of travelers. EMT has also put the safety and comfort of drivers first, who will have a split, closed-type cab with high glass partitions, which will allow quiet working conditions for drivers, their separation from passengers and a safe trip, usually.
Additionally, drivers will enjoy improved visibility thanks to cameras that replace side mirrors, transmitting images on screens inside the vehicle. Among many other advantages, the innovative design of MirrorEye will allow the width of the vehicle to be reduced, something that is important in the crowded urban space of Madrid.
Solaris has been present in Spain for more than 10 years, with nearly 450 buses manufactured in the Bolechowo (Poland) facilities that circulate in Spanish cities. It is important to note that three quarters of these are low or zero emission vehicles. Solaris is the European leader in the sale and manufacture of ecological products, friendly buses and is currently the leader in Europe in terms of the production of electric and hydrogen buses.