Sustainability in the bus industry was celebrated during the FIAA gala night in Madrid this week, with three major bus manufacturers taking home coveted trophies.
Part of the Sustainable Bus Awards 2025, Solaris, MAN and Scania each took home gold in respective categories, Urban, Intercity, and Coach.
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This international award, judged by a panel of 10 journalists from 10 different countries, acknowledges the cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of mobility.
Solaris ultimately won the Urban category for its Solaris Urbino 12 Electric.
Already one of the best-selling electric bus’ across the continent, Solaris further elevated the model with a comprehensive 2024 update.
The latest version of the Urbino 12 Electric features increased flexibility, with multiple drivetrain options and optimised battery capacity, thanks to the new High Energy packs. Notably, all major components have been relocated to the roof, freeing up more interior space for passengers.
Judges ruled that one of the key reasons for Solaris’ triumph at the bus awards lies in its drivetrain versatility, with the Polish OEM being the only bus manufacturer offering the choice of different types of traction motors (in-wheel and central) on the same model.
The flexibility also extends to the battery options, including High Energy NMC batteries with 102.9 kWh per module, LFP batteries for plug-in charging, and LTO batteries for rapid charging via pantograph.
MAN took home gold for the Intercity category with the MAN Lion’s City 12 E Low Entry, which responds to the growing demand for low-entry buses in the European market, offering the perfect balance between urban and intercity transport.
Powered by a 160 kW synchronous electric in-house motor and equipped with a maximum battery capacity of 480 kWh, the Lion’s City 12 E delivers outstanding performance and zero-emission operations, making it an ideal choice for both city and regional routes.
The bus’ connectivity features, bolstered by the integration of the RIO platform, allow for seamless communication and data management, ensuring that operators can optimise performance and maintenance.
Designed with the flexibility to serve urban and interurban routes, this model underscores MAN’s commitment to sustainability, more than 95 percent components are recyclable, while providing a practical and adaptable solution for modern public transport needs.
The Scania Touring LNG/LBG won big in the Sustainable Bus Awards Coach category, standing out for its innovative use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as well as the ability to run with Liquefied Biogas (LBG) as a sustainable fuel alternative.
This long-distance coach is equipped with Scania’s renowned gas-powered engine, which offers excellent fuel efficiency while significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel models. The vehicle is paired with the 12-speed Scania Opticruise transmission, known for its smooth gear transitions and driving comfort, particularly on long-haul journeys.
LNG/LBG is emerging as a key player in the green energy transition, and Scania’s approach positions the Touring LNG/LBG as a reliable, forward-thinking choice for operators. Furthermore, with certifications like Crit’Air 1, the coach is well-suited to operate in low-emission zones across Europe, including markets like France.
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