Solaris to Supply 19 Urbino Hydrogen Buses to SWK Mobil Krefeld in Germany

Why It Matters

The deal reinforces Germany’s leadership in hydrogen public transport and solidifies Solaris’s dominant market position, accelerating fleet decarbonisation ahead of EU emissions targets.

Key Takeaways

• Solaris will deliver 19 hydrogen Urbino buses to Krefeld by 2027
• Order includes nine 12‑metre and ten 18‑metre articulated models
• Solaris now operates over 800 fuel‑cell buses, half in Germany
• Solaris holds 277 of Europe’s 558 fuel‑cell buses, 50% market share
• New buses feature camera‑based mirrors and eSConnect telematics

Pulse Analysis

Hydrogen fuel‑cell buses are emerging as a cornerstone of Europe’s clean‑mobility strategy, and Germany remains the continent’s biggest market. With 60.2% of Europe’s fuel‑cell registrations in 2025, German operators have become early adopters, driven by federal subsidies and city‑level climate commitments. Solaris Bus & Coach, the sector’s leading supplier, has delivered more than 800 hydrogen buses across 18 German cities, positioning itself as the go‑to manufacturer for large‑scale rollouts.

The Krefeld contract adds 19 advanced Urbino units to SWK Mobil’s fleet, marking the city’s second major Solaris order. The nine 12‑metre Urbino 12 buses are powered by a 160 kW fuel‑cell system, while the ten articulated Urbino 18 models use a 240 kW motor, delivering the range and performance needed for busy urban corridors. Integrated camera‑based mirror replacements, driver‑assist safety suites, and wheelchair‑friendly ramps enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience. The eSConnect telematics suite will provide real‑time diagnostics, enabling predictive maintenance and optimizing energy consumption.

Beyond Krefeld, the expansion underscores a broader shift toward hydrogen as a viable complement to battery‑electric buses, especially on routes where charging infrastructure is limited. Solaris’s 277‑unit share of the European market—half of all fuel‑cell buses—gives it a strategic advantage in shaping standards and supply chains. As EU policy tightens emissions caps and funding for green hydrogen grows, manufacturers that combine proven technology with scalable services, like Solaris, are poised to capture further market share and accelerate the transition to zero‑emission public transport.