National Centre for Research and Development invests in ecological buses for Polish cities

"We invest PLN 100 million in research and development that will lead to the construction and production of the first series of next generation ecological buses" - said the National Centre for Research and Development director Prof. Maciej Chorowski. "Their technical parameters will not only allow for safe and cost-effective operation at the time of their introduction to the streets of Polish cities, but also for the further development of vehicles based on technologies that do not exist today".

"Our goal is emission free, user-friendly public transport in Polish cities" - emphasised Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Science and Higher Education Jarosław Gowin. "We are thinking comprehensively not only about production but also about the operation of next generation buses, and we are focused on achieving specific goals that will make e-mobility a reality. I am convinced that the innovative approach to funding innovation combined with inter-ministry cooperation and direct involvement of local governments will allow the National Centre for Research and Development program to bring the intended results" - he added.

The National Centre for Research and Development and representatives of the cities have defined specific needs, including the number and type of vehicles needed, their expected performance and the maximum cost of new buses. Cooperation agreements have been signed with the authorities of Częstochowa, Jaworzno, Kraków, Krosno, Lublin, Łomża, Łomianki, Mielec, Nowy Sącz, Płock, Rzeszów, Siedlce, Sieradz, Sosnowiec, Starachowice, Szczecin, Tczew, Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Toruń, Tychy, Wrocław, Zakliczyn, Żyrardow and the Communal Transport Association of the Upper Silesian Industrial District. The announcement of an innovative partnership contract is planned for this year.

Modular solutions will be used in the construction of buses. This will significantly improve their technical parameters, and facilitate their servicing. Innovative approach to the construction of buses will allow to reduce operating costs and ensure faster delivery of next-generation vehicles in the future. According to the National Centre for Research and Development press release, with the development of technology, new modules and components can be installed in the vehicles.

The heart of the buses will be an electric drive, supported by energy recovery technologies that will allow to recharge batteries while driving. It will also be possible to equip buses with hydrogen engines.

In addition to vehicle construction, the National Centre for Research and Development also plans to create the necessary infrastructure, such as vehicle charging stations.

The National Centre for Research and Development program announced in January is part of the government\'s Responsible Development Strategy for zero- and low emission vehicles. The Centre uses the innovation partnership formula in the "0 Emission Public Transport" program. In this procedure under the Public Procurement Act the state acts as an intelligent contracting authority, creating a new market for innovative products - in this case based on the needs expressed by Polish cities interested in the development of ecological urban transport. (PAP)

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