The awards have not yet been announced, but the data were announced by the commissions at the tender session.

Solaris wins over 400 buses in Rome

It was a very heartfelt competition, especially for the insiders who were able to witness the challenge between three giants: Iveco Bus, Mercedes and Solaris. Solaris won the whole pot, betting on a competitive price of full service, thus winning a tender it had been waiting for for a long time. Specifically, the Polish manufacturer got the better of the CNG vehicle lot by challenging Iveco Bus. Notable absentee, on this specific lot, was Industria Italiana Autobus, which, thanks to Consip, had carpeted the eternal city in recent years with its 12-metre gas-powered vehicles. In fact, even Solaris’ bid sounds like an almost surprise; the Polish manufacturer had in the past year kept well away from tenders for gas-powered buses. The reason? To leave room for the production of electric buses: in the first half of 2023, in fact, Solaris is (again) the market leader for e-buses in Europe.

Mild hybrid buses: Solaris vs Iveco Bus vs Daimler Buses

But let us come to the second lot, focused on mild hybrid technology. Here, as already mentioned, the competition was between Iveco Bus, Mercedes and Solaris. With Mercedes having an important supply of Citaro hybrid in Rome, Iveco Bus with a historic relationship and Solaris which, specifically, had not yet submitted an offer on an Italian tender on this technology. As they say in these cases: good the first!

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The firm orders include 28 Xcelsior compressed natural gas forty-foot, heavy-duty transit buses, and 13 Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric forty-foot, heavy-duty transit buses.

The five-year contract includes options to purchase forty-foot and sixty-foot Xcelsior CNG buses, as well as forty-foot and sixty-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric buses.

FTA fundings for up to 432 New Flyer buses in San Diego

Supported by FTA funds, this order will help MTS meet its goal of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, which is outlined in its multi-year “Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan”. In addition, the purchase will deliver on the California Air Resources Board’s (“CARB”) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring agencies to transition to 100% ZEB fleets by 2040.

Launched in early 2021, New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG sixty-foot and forty-foot buses (18 and 12-meter) feature up to 763kWh and 654kWh of power. The model “incorporates three distinct technology advancements, including high-energy batteries, advanced protective battery packaging for easy install and simpler serviceability, and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery”, New Flyer stresses.

MTS is one of the oldest transit systems in Southern California, serving the San Diego community for more than 135 years. MTS operates one of the cleanest public transit fleets in the United States, New Flyer says, providing 88 million annual passenger rides across San Diego County on nearly 100 fixed bus routes.

MTS San Diego towards zero emission bus fleet by 2040

“MTS and NFI have had a great working relationship for many years, and we look forward to continuing it with this new contract,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS chief executive officer. “To meet the demands of transitioning to all zero-emission bus fleet by 2040 we will need NFI to step up in a big way. As they continue to improve bus zero-emission technology and performance, I’m confident our transition will be successful.”

“The electrification of mass mobility is gaining momentum now, and NFI stands at the forefront of this evolution with its market-leading sustainable mobility solutions,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “Through a partnership spanning nearly 30 years, NFI has delivered over 840 buses and coaches to MTS, and we are excited to continue working together as we support MTS’ transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility with our high-performance low- and zero-emission buses. Together, we’re building healthier and more livable communities across San Diego.”

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In line with its net zero initiative, Destination Zero™, the Columbus-based group continues to make industry-leading contributions to reduce carbon emissions of bus fleets – on a global scale. Currently, Cummins spends an estimated $1 billion annually on research and development. The company is aiming to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines at the same time as investing in new, zero-emissions products. This R&D is wrapped up in the above-mentioned Destination Zero™ – a company initiative that aims to drive towards net zero emissions by the year 2050. Every delivery of a lower-carbon engine, no matter how large or small, is then a significant step in its path to net zero.

340 Cummins-powered CNG buses to run in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia, has taken a big step forward in sustainability with a new fleet of Solaris Urbino CNG buses powered by Cummins L9N engines. The buses will run on renewable biomethane gas from newly established biogas plants which produce near zero-carbon fuel from biowaste, Cummins says.

Built in Poland, the new fleet includes both the low floor 12-metre Urbino carrying up to 80 passengers as well as the 18-metre articulated version able to accommodate up to 150 passengers, bringing extra passenger capacity during busy commuting times. The low floor, multi-door bus design provides easy access and improved sociability due to the smooth, quiet operation of the L9N natural gas engine with 320 horsepower. In addition to ultra-low emissions, the buses also deliver rugged strength, as they will typically cover 50,000 miles a year. 

With 76 percent of Tallinn’s residents using public transport, the new buses play an essential role in keeping the city moving.  By the end of this year, the new buses will accomplish a 70 percent renewal of the bus fleet, replacing older buses with more advanced, state of the art vehicles that can meet heightened passenger expectations. Operated by AS Tallinna Linnatransport, the buses are improving air quality in the city, whilst also helping to meet a climate action goal to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions throughout the country by 25,000 tons a year, Cummins adds.

700 CNG buses deployed in Baku, Azerbaijan

In Baku, Azerbaijan, a fleet of 700 BMC Procity and Neocity buses are equipped with the same Cummins natural gas L9N engines, installed to reduce carbon emissions and increase overall air quality throughout the city. Natural gas is a cost-effective alternative power solution in Baku, due to local supply availability, sourced from the Caspian Sea. Not only do the L9N engines support a reduction in carbon emissions, they are also part of a wider program that aims to encourage bus use, reducing the number of vehicles on the city’s roads.

The latest generation of the Euro VI L9N engine marks a significant leap forward in clean, natural gas engine technology, Cummins stresses. Many bus fleets operating throughout Europe including Madrid, Paris and Warsaw benefit from Cummins L9N engines.

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The new Crossway LE Hybrid, currently available as Class I for city uses and Class II for suburban.
The model displayed in Madrid is a 12-meter-long version with 43 Lineo seats and 2 folding seats for a total capacity of up to 71 passengers. It is worth mentioning that the Crossway LE Hybrid CNG has been crowned “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2023” in the Intercity category.

First deliveries will begin in early 2023, it was mentioned during the presentation.

Iveco Crossway LE Hybrid unveiled in Madrid

Iveco Crossway is the undisputed European market leader in its segment with a record production of almost 55,000 units. With the new hybrid models, available in XTL renewable fuel and in Natural Gas
versions, the brand further extends its offer of effective solutions for transport operators to reduce their carbon footprint.

The electric drivetrain features hybrid technology developed in close collaboration with global technology company Voith. It is equipped with a 48V battery coupled to a Voith DIWA NXT gearbox and the proven Cursor 9 engine. The DIWA NXT gearbox is combined with a 35 kW peak electrical recovery motor, which acts as a starter and generator to recover the kinetic energy accumulated during the deceleration and braking phases, with a high-energy LTO battery (48 V) mounted on the roof.
The electric motor supports the Cursor 9 engine during the starting phases.

Energy transition through a mix of technologies

The new solution also features a Stop & Start function. It is fully compliant with anti-rollover standard R66.02 and front collision mitigation R29.03 tests A & B.

Stéphane Espinasse, IVECO BUS Head of Sales and Products said: “The extension of our suburban range with the new Crossway LE Hybrid will enable transport operators to benefit from a significant reduction in energy costs and CO2 emissions compared to previous generations. This is a further step in the strategy that, as a leader in alternative tractions, Iveco Bus has adopted to drive the energy transition through a mix of technologies to provide our customers with a choice of solutions according to the requirements of their missions and operations. With this new introduction, we further strengthen our brand’s ability to provide the widest sustainable offering, including suburban models, consolidating our leadership as one of the key players in the segment in Europe.”

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Indcar’s exhibition space at the Next Mobility Exhibition features two models: the Mobi City 8 CNG XL and the Wing 8. The former is a gas-powered minibus for urban use, while the Wing is a touring minibus also approved to be fueled by HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and available in a CNG (Compressed natural gas) version.

Focus on Indcar Mobi City 8 CNG XL

The Indcar Mobi City 8 CNG XL is a minibus based on the Iveco Daily and features a length of 8 meters and wheelbase of only 4.3 meters. Measures that allow contained maneuvering space, a feature appreciated by transportation companies called upon to operate in historical centers.

The Indcar Mobi City 8 CNG XL is equipped with FPT’s 3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 140 horsepower and ensures particularly low levels of emissions at the exhaust. To increase the range Indcar has built a gas cylinder system with a maximum capacity of 510 liters (compared to the standard 246 liters), leading to increased autonomy thus meeting the toughest operational requirements.

The structure is type-approved according to Directive 2007/46, all-metal and subjected to anti-corrosion treatment. The outer coatings, on the other hand, are made of fiberglass with metal inserts. The INDCAR Mobi City 8 CNG XL carries up to 37 passengers and is available in Class I and Class II versions.

Indcar Mobi “is the best in class on the European market and the only gas-powered minibus with a range of 350 kilometers. It has been produced since its start of production in more than 1,500 vehicles. In Italy in particular, INDCAR has delivered more than 350 units in 2019-2022. Major customers include: Atac Rome, AMT Genoa, Acamir, and Autolinee Toscane. INDCAR, through the Consip tender won by Iveco Bus, has planned to produce this CNG model for the Italian market to be delivered by 2023”, Indcar says.

Indcar Wing 8 in the spotlight

At Next Mobility Exhibition Indcar is also exhibiting Wing 8, an eight-meter long touring minibus carrying 28 passengers, also available in 8.5-meter size with 30-passenger capacity and 7.7-meter size in the rear collector version. The Indcar Wing 8 is built on Iveco Daily 70C21 mechanicals characterized by a swan-neck ‘C’ spar structure connected by studded tubular cross members. The rear axle is rigid while the front axle has independent wheels.

Wing is equipped with a three- liter FPT four-cylinder engine that delivers 210 horsepower featuring the four valves per cylinder controlled by overhead camshaft, the latest generation common rail and a system consisting of particulate filter, EGR and SCRfor low emissions. Hi-Matic transmission is provided. Wing features a driver’s seat capable of offering more comfort and visibility to the driver so as to also increase safety levels.

Also for the driver’s seat is the arrival of the new interior camera, integrated into the rearview mirror. The rear-view mirror screen also takes over the reverse function. Also on the Wing are LED side marker lights, which also perform a signaling function and improve visibility when maneuvering. Also LED are the profile lights on the access steps, steps now covered in PVC, in a color coordinated with the interior compartment aisle. A classic handrail integral with the steel wall designed by the INDCAR design center is provided to facilitate the ascent. The Indcar Wing is available in diesel, CNG and HVO versions.

Biomethane on the rise?

Biomethane is expected to account for 40 percent of the total natural gas as a vehicle fuel by 2030, Indcar says, resulting in a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse emissions associated with mobility. The entire range of Indcar CNG minibuses can run on biomethane.  

HVO – Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, is a second-generation biodiesel fuel, whose acronym stands for “Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.” This “green” diesel fuel, produced on an industrial scale since 2007, is characterized by the total absence of sulfur and ash produced during the combustion process. The fuel can be used either in pure form as an alternative to conventional diesel or as a supplement to improve overall environmental performance. HVO is a renewable fuel composed of 100 percent paraffins, molecules identical to those found in conventional diesel fuels. Compared with conventional fuels, HVO 100 has a completely renewable origin, enables a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, requires no technical adaptations when used as a substitute for conventional fuel, and can be dispensed from the diesel tank.

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The Framework Agreement will have a duration of 18 months (possibly extendable by an additional 6), while the contracts signed by the administrations will have a duration of 10 years. The contract is scheduled to be activated in July.

In the details of the awards, the first lot of 17,662,700.00 euros went to Iveco Spa. The second, from 26,624,565.00, again Iveco but also to Industria Italiana Autobus Spa and Otokar Europe Sas. The same was true for the third and fourth lots, of 53,642,706.67 and 18,486,331.67 euros, respectively. The fifth lot has not yet been awarded, while the sixth (from 31,181,410.00) went to IIA and the seventh (the largest, from 121,260,727.50 euros) to Iveco Spa and Otokar Europa Sas. Finally, the eighth, from 47,959,300.00 euros to Italscania Spa.

The initiative makes available more than 1,000 vehicles of different sizes (including more than 800 powered by CNG compressed methane and about 200 powered by LNG liquid methane) that PAs will be able to purchase using the resources of the Complementary Fund to the PNRR earmarked for the purchase of buses used for suburban and suburban public transport (Ministerial Decree on Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility No. 315 of 02/08/2021).

The advantages of using the framework agreement include the opportunity to have multiple suppliers, significant breadth of range, high customization of supply based on one’s needs with colors, liveries, additional equipment for the driver’s seat and passenger compartment, on-board devices in use for LPT, Driver Assistance Systems.ADAS, anti-Covid measures, passenger safety devices or use of full service maintenance.

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This is the promise of the manufacturer: “the new-generation Urbanway hybrid delivers 16% fuel savings compared to the standard diesel version and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 19%, together with a significant improvement in Total Cost of Ownership”. The same technology will be offered on the Crealis range and on the Crossway (that will be delivered in LE Hybrid version starting with 2023).

Deliveries of the Urbanway hybrids in 12 and 18 metre versions will begin at the end of the year.

Hybrid technology for the Crossway as well

Iveco Bus is also extending the next-generation hybrid technology to its Crossway Low Entry model, available for the very first time in Natural Gas and XTL renewable fuel versions to offer local authorities and transport operators an additional solution to reduce their carbon footprint. The Iveco Bus Crossway LE Hybrid has already been presented for tenders in 2022, with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2023. 

Voith 48V hybrid system for the Urbanway Hybrid

The Urbanway Hybrid features a 48 V hybrid solution developed by Voith for the new Diwa NXT gearbox and the proven Cursor 9 engine. The Diwa NXT gearbox is combined with a 35 kW peak electrical recovery module, which acts as a starter and generator to recover the kinetic energy accumulated during the deceleration and braking phases, with a high-energy LTO battery (48 V) mounted on the roof. The battery is able to supply 25 kW during the starting phases to relay the Cursor 9 engine, Iveco Bus stresses.

The new solution also features a Stop & Start function, which is activated automatically with no driver intervention.

Iveco Bus new generation of buses

“With our new hybrid solution, we are capitalising on our extensive experience in hybrid buses, as testified by more than 2,500 units sold through our Iveco Bus and Heuliez brands, and our leadership in natural gas technology,” explains Stéphane Espinasse, Iveco Bus Head of Sales and Products. “The result is a new generation of hybrid buses that harnesses the advantages of natural gas to deliver further improvements to the sustainable performance of our hybrid Urbanway and Crealis models. We offer our customers a portfolio of sustainable mobility solutions with an energy mix that matches the specific needs of their missions with proven technologies that deliver excellent Total Cost of Ownership.” 

Iveco Bus bets on mild hybrid technology in city bus range

As mentioned above, Iveco Bus is introducing a complete range of low-floor city buses featuring the new-generation hybrid technology, available in Natural Gas and XTL renewable fuel versions. With this new addition, its product portfolio for urban transport now offers a choice of: 

– 12-metre standard and 18-meter articulated Urbanway models equipped with a Cursor 9 engine in Diesel and XTL versions. 

– 10.5-, 12-, and 18-meter Urbanway with a Cursor 9 Natural Gas engine. 

– 12- and 18-meter Crealis in Diesel, XTL and Natural Gas versions. 

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The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar will be made of the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. In September, the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340 horsepower chassis (being the Swedish manufacturer a pioneer in this segment).

In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres.

According to a study on future of coaches by IRU (May 2019), the most viable solution when it comes to Class III coaches, at least in the next 15 years, is liquefied natural gas: “bio-LNG is the alternative fuel for which political and economic solutions could be most easily implemented in the short-to-medium term (2023- 2035)“. The main barrier to the adoption of LNG vehicles is the presence of a widespread supply network.

Irizar i4 LNG for intercity routes

The first vehicle equipped with this technology is the Class II i4 model. It is a versatile coach that is perfect for cities, commuter lines, school or company transport and occasional use. It has been equipped with two cylindrical cryogenic (-162º C) type tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area, which is completely watertight and isolated from the passenger area. They have a gas capacity of 704 litres and they weigh 830 kg when completely full.

They comply with regulation R66.02 and the components and the installation meet all the safety protocols according to regulation 110.

Irizar i4 LNG, with Scania chassis

The L version of the Irizar i4, with a smooth floor and low aisle for better accessibility, is 12.2 metres long, it has a double central door with built in PRM manufactured by Masats and it’s been built on a Scania 320 EB 4X2 E6D LNG biofuel chassis with a 9l and 320 hp engine. It has seating for 49, 1 PRM and room for 13 standing passengers. And, in this case, it will do commuter routes with frequent stops. It also includes destination signage, a CCTV video surveillance system and a digital gas control panel that lets the driver verify incidents in the gas system and comply with all safety protocols.

«In addition to a range of up to 1000 km, the environmental benefits provided by this technology reduce CO2 emissions by 25%, NOx emissions by 85% and particle pollution by 96%, minimising air quality reference emissions that affect health to nearly zero. Beyond providing greater thermal performance than diesel, noise levels are also reduced by 50%. Operating costs (TCO) are estimated that they may be up to 30% lower depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle», Irizar says.

Irizar LNG coaches on market in 2022

The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. As mentioned above, in September this year the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340 horsepower chassis. In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres.

In comparison with CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG or liquid natural gas, takes up less space (600 times less), it has an energy density 1.4 greater and the complete system weighs less, Irizar adds.

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CNG buses for NCTD

The options are part of a five-year contract with NCTD (that provides public transport services North San Diego County) established in 2016 for up to 103 Xcelsior CNG thirty-five or forty-foot buses. The order, supported by Federal Transit Administration funds, replaces older, end-of-life vehicles with lower-emission and more efficient buses that deliver increased sustainability. With the addition of these buses, NCTD will reduce the average age of its BREEZE bus fleet from 11 to 6.3 years old by August 2021. 

New Flyer’s Xcelsior CNG buses offer immediate emission reduction with 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) than traditional diesel engines, and eliminate the need for particulate filters and regeneration cycles, the manufacturer points out.

“For over 25 years, New Flyer has delivered more than 230 buses to NCTD. Adding 50 more low-emission CNG buses allows for the continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North America Bus and Coach. “NCTD relies on New Flyer to power mobility that helps build livable communities. With more than 13,000 CNG buses on the road, our technology is critical to achieving more sustainable transportation across North America.” 

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Representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach and of the Estonian operator Aktsiaselts Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT) have signed a deal for the supply of 100 environmentally friendly city buses propelled with compressed natural gas (CNG). 75 of the commissioned buses are Solaris Urbino 12 vehicles, while the remaining 25 are articulated Urbino 18 units. The deliveries are scheduled to end in 2022. The contract is worth nearly EUR 27 million. In line with the contract, TLT may, optionally, increase its order, commissioning another 20 Urbino 12 CNG and 30 Urbino 18 CNG buses.

Some 200 vehicles of Solaris, commissioned by TLT from 2019 to 2020, are already deployed in Tallinn. Once the contract is performed, up to 95 environmentally friendly Solaris Urbino 12 CNG and up to 55 articulated Solaris Urbino 18 CNG buses will join that fleet. The order is worth nearly EUR 27 million.

1,575 CNG liters on board of Solaris buses for Tallin

In both new vehicle type, i.e. the 12-metre and the 18-metre versions, the heart of the vehicles will be a 235 kW engine adapted to use compressed natural gas (CNG). Furthermore the engine will be modified to perform even better under unfavourable weather conditions thanks to the cold start function that facilitates starting the engine at very low temperatures. Five tanks used to store compressed natural gas, holding a total of 1575 litres for the Urbino 12 and 1875 litres – for the articulated buses, will be stacked on the bus roof in its front part.

The operator has also put its money on high equipment standard, installed in both the passenger compartment, as well as the driver’s cabin. In the bus interior passengers will profit from a state-of-the-art and comprehensive passenger information system, USB ports that enable the recharging of mobile devices, and camera surveillance for better security. Featuring an automatic passenger counting system, the buses will fit at least 80 passengers  – in the case of the Urbino 12, and 140 persons – in the case of the Urbino 18.

The fully closed-off driver’s cabin has been designed for the purpose of making it a safe and ergonomic work place for drivers. A fire detection signalling and extinguishing system have been added to the panel, as well as reversing sensors. Rain and dusk sensors will provide assistance to the driver when the vehicle is operated under unfavourable weather conditions.

Goal: 350 gas buses onto Tallin roads

“With this agreement, we are fulfilling our goal of bringing a total of 350 gas buses to the route. We have reason to be proud because next year the Tallinn bus will celebrate its 100th anniversary and the new buses will be the best gift for the residents of Tallinn. Thanks to this, TLT lowers the average age of rolling stock to 5 years, which is remarkable not only in Estonia, but with this result we can compete with any public transport in the European capital. Of course, the positive impact of the introduction of gas buses on the urban environment is not insignificant. When all gas buses reach the route, CO2 emissions into the city will be reduced by about 25,000 tons per year, which is estimated to be comparable to the emissions of 7,000 passenger cars with internal combustion engines.” stated Deniss Boroditš, CEO of Tallinna Linnatranspordi AS.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the largest public transport operator in Estonia for the trust placed in our brand. It is an enormous distinction for our company to have been selected in a tendering process as a supplier of up to 150 CNG buses for TLT in Tallinn. I am convinced that employees of TLT and passengers alike will appreciate the benefits gained from the new vehicles. Natural gas serves as one of the alternatives for low-emission public transport. This new order placed by TLT is a huge investment not only in modern, safe and comfortable municipal transport, but above all in clean air and improved quality of life” noted Petros Spinaris, member of the Management Board of Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. for Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.

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