Solaris launches in the USA with electric buses
A year and a half ago, Solaris announced that its 2026 strategy plan would include entering the North American market with e-buses. By signing the first contract with King County Metro, the public transit authority in the city of Seattle (Washington State), and 34 other cities for the delivery of electric buses, the Polish bus manufacturer has now taken an important step towards implementing its US strategy.
“This agreement is an incredibly important achievement and a milestone in the history of Solaris. This is another step towards achieving our strategic goals and our vision of making Solaris the preferred supplier of emission-free buses in North America,” said Solaris CEO Javier Iriarte during the contract signing in the USA.
Option for twelve more e-buses
The first contract from Solaris in the US market includes the delivery of two battery-electric 40-foot solos (about 12 m) and two 60-foot articulated buses (about 18 m). These are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. The contract also includes an option for up to twelve more vehicles.
“Metro is a national leader in transitioning to an emission-free fleet that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers maintenance costs, and improves air quality,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Our battery-electric buses are part of the clean energy infrastructure that King County is building to create the transit network of tomorrow. Expanding the number of manufacturers that can produce these new vehicles for the North American market benefits not only our region but transit agencies across the country. This agreement between King County Metro and Solaris is an important next step.”
Michelle Allison, General Manager at King County Metro, added: “Metro's partnership with electric and hydrogen bus manufacturer Solaris will help overcome the bottleneck in bus production and potentially offer more opportunities to other transit agencies in North America.”
Solaris's e-bus models will be based on a platform specially developed for the North American market with an electric drive that meets all US regulations – including FMVSS and ADA. The electric drive system, battery technology, and connectivity features essentially originate from the Solaris Urbino electric for the European market.
