As US cities experiment with electric bus pilots, one transit agency in Norway is already replacing its existing e-buses with next-generation models.

Oslo transit agency Unibuss has ordered 183 Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses in a deal worth approximately €100 million ($115 million).

Poland-based Solaris has been selling buses to Unibuss since 2006. The Norwegian carrier has ordered almost 300 vehicles from Solaris. Oslo’s new Urbino 18 buses will replace older Solaris Urbino models, and are expected to go into service in April 2023.

The new Urbino 18 features a 250 kW motor and a 500 kWh battery pack. Oslo’s buses will use plug-in charging, and feature such passenger amenities as USB chargers, a double ramp for people with disabilities, and new reinforced air filters to provide additional protection against viruses.

“We are proud of the trust that Unibuss AS has again placed in us and we are looking forward to further expanding our collaboration. A contract for such a large delivery of e-buses is ample proof of the zero-emission revolution becoming reality,” said Sverre Skaar, Managing Director of Solaris Norge.

Source: Solaris