The streets of the “Dotta” are about to become quieter and cleaner. Hydrogen in Bologna is starting to get really serious, with the arrival of the first 37 Solaris buses that emit only water vapor. An ambitious project that will soon see many zero-emission vehicles circulating between the streets of the Emilian capital and Ferrara.
Hydrogen takes shape in Bologna
Solaris Bus & Coach has started deliveries of the first hydrogen buses destined for Bologna and Ferrara. This is the initial phase of a large-scale order placed by the transport operator TPER by the end of 2023, which includes the supply of 137 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses.
Javier IriarteCEO Solaris Bus & Coach, during the official presentation he underlined:
We are honored to contribute to such an ambitious project. The delivery of the first hydrogen buses in Bologna represents a significant milestone in the advancement of the transportation sustainable public.
The technology behind the new media
The Urbino 12 hydrogen are completely zero-emission vehicles that offer silent operation and an environmentally sustainable solution. fuel cell 70 kW generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. The roof-mounted tanks have a total capacity of 37,5 kg of hydrogen.
Special features and configurations
The hydrogen bus fleet in Bologna is configured in two versions: 70 three-door Urbino hydrogen buses for urban routes and 67 two-door vehicles for city and suburban lines that connect the city with the metropolitan area. The new vehicles stand out for their completely low-slung design and are equipped with cutting-edge systems for passenger comfort and safety, including air conditioning, advanced monitoring and easy access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Not only hydrogen in Bologna: the European context
Interest in hydrogen technology is growing steadily across Europe, particularly in the zero-emission transport sector. Solaris, as the largest manufacturer of hydrogen buses in Europe, has already delivered over 430 hydrogen buses to major European cities. In Italy, in addition to Bologna, these innovative vehicles are already circulating in Venice, Bolzano, Modena, Mantua and Pescara. The network also extends to Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia and France, demonstrating the increasing adoption of this sustainable technology.
The strategic partnership
The project is the result of a collaboration between TPER, the city authorities and Solaris Bus & Coach. The investment is co-financed by EU funds through the PNRR plan and TPER's own resources. The presentation event was attended by several key figures, including Josephine Gualtieri, President and CEO of TPER SpA, Paul Paolillo, Director of TPER SpA, Michael Campaniello, Councillor for New Mobility of the Municipality of Bologna, and Paul Burani, President of the Territory, Environment and Mobility Commission of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The Solaris Profile
Solaris Bus & Coach confirms its leadership in the production of urban and intercity buses in Europe, with a particular focus on the development of low and zero-emission vehicles. The company has already delivered more than 25.000 vehicles that circulate in 850 cities in 33 countries. Part of the Spanish group CAF, keeps all production in Poland.
The company's commitment was recently recognized with the prestigious 'Bus of the Year 2025' award assigned to the Urbino 18 hydrogen, confirming its excellence in the sustainable transport sector.
