Hydrogen-powered mobility is gaining momentum in Europe, and the German city of Krefeld is set to become another strong example of this transition. Solaris Bus & Coach has won a new tender to supply 19 hydrogen buses to SWK Mobil Krefeld, the city’s public transport operator. The order includes two models from Solaris’ zero-emission portfolio: 9 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses and 10 articulated Urbino 18 hydrogen vehicles. The buses are scheduled to arrive in Krefeld in 2027, further strengthening the city’s fleet of modern, clean public transport vehicles.

Hydrogen technology on the road

The new Solaris buses will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity on board and transfer it to an electric motor. This means the vehicles produce no exhaust emissions during operation, offering a quiet and environmentally friendly alternative for urban transport. The 12-metre Urbino 12 hydrogen buses will be equipped with a 160 kW central motor, while the articulated Urbino 18 hydrogen models will feature a more powerful 240 kW unit. Both versions will include modern solutions designed to improve safety, comfort and accessibility. Among the planned features are camera-based mirror replacement systems, driver assistance technologies, passenger comfort solutions, ramps and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and prams.

The cooperation between Solaris and SWK Mobil Krefeld dates back to 2011. This new order also confirms the operator’s continued confidence in hydrogen technology. In 2023, SWK Mobil Krefeld ordered 10 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses, which were delivered in 2025 and joined the city’s zero-emission fleet. With the latest contract, Krefeld is taking another step toward cleaner, quieter and more sustainable urban mobility.

As with the previous hydrogen bus order, SWK Mobil Krefeld has also chosen Solaris’ eSConnect system. This proprietary fleet management tool gives operators access to key vehicle data, helping them monitor bus performance, plan operations and improve long-term fleet efficiency. For public transport operators investing in new technologies, digital fleet support is becoming just as important as the vehicles themselves.

Germany remains a key hydrogen bus market

Solaris has already delivered more than 800 hydrogen buses to customers across Europe. Germany remains one of the most active markets for this technology: around half of all Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses delivered so far have gone to German operators. These vehicles are already carrying passengers in 18 German cities, and Solaris continues to fulfil new contracts across the country.

The new order for Krefeld shows that hydrogen buses are no longer just a pilot project or a future concept. They are becoming a practical part of everyday public transport — helping cities reduce emissions while maintaining the flexibility and range needed for demanding urban routes.