9786 Views
Updated On: 18-Aug-2025 05:48 AM
Leipzig Transport Authority orders 40 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses, replacing diesel models with deliveries from 2026 to 2027.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also Read: Switch Mobility Banks on Strong Tender Wins Despite Rare Earth Supply Concerns
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.