Urbino 18 Hybrid Vossloh Kiepe

The Urbino 18 Hybrid model, equipped with the series-hybrid system by Vossloh Kiepe, is the latest product of Solaris. The cooperation with the well-known and respected German manufacturer of electric traction systems and drives for buses and rail vehicles has resulted in constructing the multi-functional vehicle.

The main objective of the engineers from the Solaris Research and Development Department was to create a full range of hybrid vehicles, which are to be a response to the diverse demands of the customers. The service line in the centre of the city or its outskirts, the parallel operation of both drives or riding on one of the them - for all these variants Solaris has a perfectly fitted solution.

During the design works, both companies use their experience gained during earlier development of hybrid structures.

Solaris Urbino 18 uses the potential of modern and clean technologies. The new solutions in the series-hybrid system, combining proven Cummins engine and a traction engine, among others, make it possible to ride exclusively with the use of the electric drive.

A major challenge in designing a new hybrid bus was to eliminate the necessity for an internal combustion engine to power items such as: air compressor, radiator fans, power steering pump and air conditioning for the batteries. An additional option is the electrically powered air conditioning for the passenger’s space and the workplace of the driver.

Much attention has been paid on such inconspicuous items as doors. Thanks to an innovative solution by Bode, special electric motors have been placed in the shafts, and, not as usual, over the doors. The whole mechanism weighs less, takes up less space, is simpler in construction and maintenance, and is more reliable.

The passenger will recognize the hybrid bus from outside by its additional roof panels. The inside of the vehicle is similar to the standard Urbino 18. The information system is also an interesting point. Thanks to it, two monitors, among others, display the visualisation of the hybrid drive operation.

The router mounted on the vehicle is also an innovative solution; it provides communication of the bus with the service of Vossloh-Kiepe. In case it is necessary, it helps to monitor and adjust the hybrid system remotely.