OBB Postbus, the largest carrier company in Austria, has signed a contract for the hydrogen buses with the Polish company Solaris. The contract assumes the delivery of 5 hydrogen vehicles until the end of November 2022. Hydrogen-powered vehicles will be delivered to Villach, a town in south-eastern Austria.

Solaris and OBB Postbus signed a framework agreement at the beginning of 2021. It provides for the possibility of purchasing up to 40 hydrogen buses by 2023. In December 2021, the Austrian company used this opportunity and placed the first order for 5 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles. This model is fueled by the energy produced on board by a set of fuel cells. Such technology allows the bus to travel approximately 350km in any conditions and completely emission-free.

OBB Postbus is the largest bus company in Austria. One of its objectives is testing alternative propulsion technologies that use hydrogen and electricity.

Solaris is a company founded in Poland that in recent years also produces emission-free vehicles for public transport. It operates four production plants: the main factory and headquarters are in Bolechowo, two plants are in Środa Wielkopolska. The company, founded in Poland, was sold to the Spanish CAF group in September 2018.

The cooperation between Postbus and Solaris dates back to 2009, and there are still approximately 169 Urbino vehicles in use by Postbus. Signed in December 2021, it is the first contract for buses with alternative drive.