Solaris has delivered the world’s first series-produced electric bus equipped with a battery passport to BVG Berlin. This innovative bus, the Urbino 18 electric, represents a major milestone in sustainable mobility, setting a new benchmark for responsible raw material management and lifecycle transparency.
This delivery comes three years ahead of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which mandates that all electric vehicle batteries include a digital battery passport by February 18, 2027. Solaris’s early adoption of this technology highlights its leadership in the e-mobility sector and its commitment to driving sustainable innovation.
What is a Battery Passport?
A battery passport is a digital document that provides comprehensive information about a battery’s lifecycle. This includes:
- Material Composition: Details on lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other components.
- Origin and Sustainability: Information about the sourcing of critical raw materials and their environmental impact.
- Carbon Footprint: Data on the battery’s production and lifecycle emissions.
- Recycling Information: Guidance on proper recycling to support the circular economy.
In the Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses delivered to BVG Berlin, this information is accessible via a QR code on the battery, allowing for easy access and transparency throughout the battery’s lifecycle.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
Solaris’s battery passport aims to increase transparency and promote sustainable practices in battery management. By enabling traceability of raw materials and fostering ethical sourcing, this innovation supports a circular economy and reduces the environmental footprint of electric vehicle batteries.
The Urbino 18 electric bus is powered by Solaris High Energy batteries with a capacity of approximately 700 kWh, offering exceptional performance for urban transit. The BVG Berlin fleet will receive 50 articulated electric buses from Solaris, all equipped with battery passports, with delivery expected to be completed by 2025.
Solaris’s Commitment to E-Mobility
Solaris is a leading European manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, having delivered over 5,000 battery and hydrogen-powered buses since 2012. With a growing focus on sustainability, Solaris has established the Solaris Battery HUB, a competence center dedicated to advancing battery technology, management, and recycling within a circular economy framework.
Dariusz Michalak, Deputy CEO of Solaris, commented:
"The introduction of the battery passport aligns perfectly with our mission to lead the transformation toward a sustainable, zero-emission future. By adopting this technology early, we not only comply with future regulations but also set a standard for transparency and responsible resource management in the e-mobility industry."
Pioneering Innovation in E-Mobility
The battery passport is a significant step forward in the sustainable deployment of e-mobility solutions, addressing key challenges such as resource traceability, ethical sourcing, and efficient recycling. As Europe continues its transition toward zero-emission transport, innovations like Solaris’s battery passport will play a crucial role in supporting the European Green Deal and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
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Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
