Summary
- BVG transit system in Berlin received the world’s first electric bus with a battery passport
- The Solaris Urbino 18 electric bus can seat up to 100 passengers and has pantograph charging
- The battery passport provides detailed information about the battery’s lifecycle and promotes responsible raw material management
- Keolis Sverige, a Swedish transport operator, ordered 46 electric buses for operation in the Dalarna region
- Solaris Urbino electric buses feature advanced safety features and passenger comforts, powered by high-energy batteries
Article
Berlin’s BVG transit system has introduced the world’s first series-produced electric bus with a battery passport, the Solaris Urbino 18 electric, three years ahead of EU regulations. This bus can seat up to 100 passengers, has pantograph charging, and features a battery passport accessible via QR code, providing information on the battery’s composition, origin of materials, carbon footprint, and data for recycling. This initiative promotes responsible raw material management by increasing transparency and encouraging ethical sourcing and efficient recycling of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Another development in the electric bus industry is a Swedish transport operator ordering 46 electric buses from Solaris for use in the Dalarna region. The order includes two models, the Urbino 15 LE electric and Urbino 12 electric, to be delivered in two phases starting in 2025. These buses are designed for urban and intercity routes, with features such as high-energy batteries, traction motors, USB charging ports, and safety systems like collision avoidance and driver fatigue monitoring. Solaris has been supplying vehicles to Swedish operators since 2003, with a focus on low- and zero-emission powertrains, and operates a Battery HUB to manage lithium-ion batteries and promote a circular economy.
The Solaris Urbino 12 electric is a 12-meter-long bus designed for urban routes, accommodating up to 61 passengers with 600 kWh high-energy batteries and a modular drive system. This model received the Sustainable Bus Award in 2025 for the “Urban Bus” category. The Urbino 15 LE electric, designed for urban and intercity routes, can carry up to 72 passengers with 700 kWh high-energy batteries for extended range. Both models prioritize passenger comfort and safety with features like air conditioning, USB ports, ticket machines, and advanced safety systems. Solaris aims to enhance battery management practices as the demand for e-mobility grows, aligning with the trend towards sustainable transportation solutions.
The battery passport on the Solaris Urbino 18 electric bus provides crucial information on battery composition, material sourcing, and recycling data, promoting sustainable practices in the transportation industry. By tracking materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, the passport encourages ethical sourcing and efficient recycling, minimizing environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the EU regulations that will require all electric vehicles to have a battery passport starting in 2027, highlighting BVG’s forward-thinking approach in adopting this technology ahead of schedule.
Solaris’ partnership with BVG and Swedish transport operators showcases the shift towards sustainable and zero-emission transportation solutions in the industry. The introduction of electric buses with advanced features like high-energy batteries, safety systems, and sustainable practices in battery management reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency. As more cities and transport systems transition to electric vehicles, initiatives like the battery passport and sustainable bus models from Solaris contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner future for public transportation. Riders can expect enhanced comfort, safety, and environmental benefits from these innovative electric buses, setting a new standard for urban and intercity transit systems.
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