The largest public transport operator in the Belgian capital, STIB, has ordered its first electric buses. These will be seven electric Solaris Urbino 8.9 LE units, with delivery scheduled for the beginning of 2018.
According to the terms of the order received by Solaris Bus & Coach a few days ago, the buses will be equipped with a 160 kW traction motor and a drive system from the Polish manufacturer Medcom. The vehicles will be fully emission-free, and high travel comfort will be ensured by 160 kWh batteries, which will be charged via a plug-in connector.
The buses from the Polish manufacturer based in Bolechowo will operate on a new line in the European capital – Citybus. STIB has purchased its first electric vehicles to test the innovative technology and examine the savings resulting from their use. Solaris Bus & Coach has signed a framework agreement with the Belgian carrier, which provides for the delivery of seven battery-powered buses with the option to extend the contract for additional vehicles. This is undoubtedly a sign of recognition and trust in the Polish manufacturer, and above all, a confirmation of the trend of electromobility development in European metropolises.
– At the beginning of the year, we won a tender for the supply of 208 hybrid buses for the Belgian carrier SRWT TEC Namur in Wallonia, and today we are receiving an order for electric buses from another Belgian carrier, STIB from Brussels. It is an extraordinary reason for pride and joy that the Benelux countries appreciate our brand. We are very pleased that our Solaris buses will be driving on the streets of the European capital – said Zbigniew Palenica, Vice President of the Management Board of Solaris Bus & Coach SA.
The battery-powered Solaris buses in a metallic color will look proud on the streets of the European city. The interior of the bus will be extremely elegant thanks to eco-leather seats and a wood-like floor. Safety for passengers and the driver will be ensured by a monitoring system and an “anti-aggression” driver’s cabin specially prepared for the Belgian operator. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with an electric ramp, which will facilitate entry or exit from the bus for people using wheelchairs. The Belgian public transport operator STIB is interested in ecological and innovative solutions. In line with the announcement by Brussels Transport Minister Pascal Smet, the carrier plans to electrify its entire bus fleet by 2030.