…and the Sustainable Bus Awards 2025 go to Solaris Urbino Electric, MAN Lion’s City E LE and Scania Touring LNG

Sustainable Bus Awards 2025 winners Solaris, MAN and Scania have been announced during FIAA gala night in Madrid. 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. Last year the prizes were handed over in Brussels during Busworld.

The awards span three key categories: Urban, Intercity, and Coach. Below, as reported in the press release of the Sustainable Bus Award, winners and motivations.

Urban Category Winner: Solaris Urbino 12 Electric

In the Urban category, the Solaris Urbino 12 Electric takes the crown, marking its dominance in the European e-bus market. Already the best-selling electric bus acrossthe continent, Solaris has further elevated the model with a comprehensive 2024 update. The latest version of the Urbino 12 Electric features increased flexibility, with multi-ple drivetrain options and optimized 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. One of the key reasons for Solaris’ triumph lies in its drivetrain versatility. The Polish OEM is the only bus manufacturer offering the choice of different types of traction motors (in-wheel and central) on the same model. The flexibility 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. This adaptability has set Solaris apart from itscompetitors, securing its position at the forefront of sustainable urban transport”.

“I am proud to see the success of our Solaris Urbino 12 electric bus, which is a solution for sustainable public transport and contributes to the improvement of the quality of life in many European cities. As a leader in the European market for zero-emission buses, including both electric and hydrogen options, we firmly believe that this is the future of public transport”, said Javier Iriarte, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach, during the acceptance speech.

Intercity Category Winner: MAN Lion’s City 12 E Low Entry

In the Intercity category, the MAN Lion’s City 12 E Low Entry has claimed the Sustainable Bus Award 2025. This model responds to the growing demand for lowentry 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 optimize performance and maintenance. Designed with the flexibility to serve urban and interurban routes, this model underscores MAN’s commitment to sustainability, more than 95% components are recyclable, while providing a practical and adaptable solution for modern public transport needs.

Class 2 approval for use on intercity routes will soon be possible for the eBus. The stricter specification for body rigidity in UN ECE R 66.02 will then also apply to these,” explains Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus.

Coach Category Winner: Scania Touring LNG/LBG

In the Coach category, the Scania Touring LNG/LBG stands out for its innovative use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as well as the ability of this vehicle 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.