Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen wins the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Urban category
Solaris's next-generation Urbino 18 hydrogen has taken the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Urban category, presented at the FIAA trade fair in Madrid — the third straight year a zero-emission Solaris bus has won.
- 2027
- 3
- 23 September
What Happened
The next-generation Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen has won the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Urban category. The winners were announced on 23 September, the second day of the FIAA exhibition in Madrid, and the award was presented during the trade fair. It is the third consecutive year in which a zero-emission Solaris vehicle has received the distinction.
- An international competition recognising the most innovative and sustainable city buses, intercity buses and coach models available on the European market.
- The jury consists of representatives of leading industry publications from across Europe.
- The 2027 winners were announced on 23 September, the second day of the FIAA exhibition in Madrid.
- 2027: the next-generation Urbino 18 hydrogen, in the Urban category.
- The previous edition: the Urbino 10,5 electric.
- The edition before that: the Urbino 12 electric.
- All three awarded models are zero-emission buses.
The next-generation Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen is a zero-emission, low-floor articulated city bus powered by hydrogen. It offers operators an extensive driving range on a single refuelling. The jury recognised the vehicle's efficient electric driveline, high passenger capacity and short refuelling time.
- Efficient electric driveline
- High passenger capacity
- Short refuelling time
- Solutions enhancing accessibility and passenger comfort
- Advanced safety systems
3years
The next-generation Urbino 18 hydrogen follows the Urbino 10,5 electric and the Urbino 12 electric, all zero-emission buses.
Previously from Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o.
Solaris used the same FIAA trade fair in Madrid to present its 15-metre Urbino 15 LE electric bus, claiming a range of more than 600 km and room for up to 100 passengers. The FIAA 2026 show ran from 22 to 24 September, so the award announcement fell on its second day. Solaris was also marking 30 years at the event.
- Solaris shows Urbino 15 LE electric bus at FIAA Madrid 2026 as it marks 30 years
- Solaris to Showcase Urbino 15 LE Electric Bus at FIAA 2026 in Madrid
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o.'s official releases.
Why this matters
The Sustainable Bus Award is decided by European trade-press journalists, so the win is industry recognition rather than a sales result. For city transit operators weighing hydrogen against other zero-emission options, it highlights a bus that refuels quickly and carries many passengers. Solaris has now won three editions in a row, and all three winning models were zero-emission vehicles.
Terms in This Story
- Sustainable Bus Award
- An international competition that recognises the most innovative and sustainable city buses, intercity buses and coaches available on the European market.
- zero-emission
- A vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions while driving; here it refers to the hydrogen- and battery-powered buses that have won the award.
- articulated bus
- A long city bus with a flexible joint in the middle that lets it bend around corners.
- low-floor
- A bus design with a floor close to the ground and no steps at the doors, making boarding easier for passengers with wheelchairs, pushchairs or luggage.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.