Leipzig Orders 40 Solaris Electric Articulated Buses

Key Highlights

• Leipzig orders 40 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses.

• First 15 buses arrive in November 2026, the rest by mid-2027.

• €33 million project, with €13.5 million state funding.

• Buses to run 270 km per charge, serving long routes.

• Charging via pantograph at Lindenau depot and route termini.

The Leipzig Transport Authority (LVB) in Germany has placed an order for 40 articulated electric buses from Polish manufacturer Solaris. These new vehicles will replace older diesel buses and mark a big step forward in the city’s journey toward greener public transport.

Details of the Order

The buses ordered are the Solaris Urbino 18 electric, chosen through an EU-wide tender in which Solaris won against five other competitors. The order follows the approval of €13.5 million in state funding by Saxony last year.

The total project cost is about €33 million, with LVB covering around €20 million from its own budget.

Delivery Timeline

• 15 buses will arrive starting in November 2026

• 25 buses will be delivered from mid-2027

Once delivered, these buses will replace older diesel vehicles currently operating in Leipzig.

Technical Features of the Solaris Urbino 18 Electric

The Urbino 18 electric is a well-known model available with battery capacities of up to 800 kWh. LVB has chosen the 576 kWh battery option, which allows a driving range of up to 270 km on a single charge. This range is sufficient for 24-hour operations without the need for recharging.

According to LVB spokesman Marc Backhaus, this will allow the e-buses to run even on long routes such as 70, 72, and 73.

Charging System

• Standard charging via cable supports up to 250 kW

• The option of pantograph charging is available and preferred by LVB

• Leipzig already operates 38 VDL electric buses using pantograph charging

• The Lindenau depot “Bus-Port” has space for 50 charging points, where buses are charged overnight

• Opportunity charging at route termini is also possible

The city also plans to expand charging infrastructure further, though details have not yet been disclosed.

Leipzig’s Move Towards Greener Public Transport

Currently, LVB operates 200 Solaris buses, but this order marks the first fully electric Solaris models in Leipzig’s fleet. These buses will play a major role in reducing emissions and modernizing the city’s public transport system.

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CMV360 Says

Leipzig’s investment in 40 new Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses shows a clear push towards sustainable urban transport. With a mix of state funding and self-financing, the city is preparing its transport system for the future. Once deliveries begin in 2026, commuters can expect quieter, cleaner, and more efficient bus services.