Solaris, BYD, and Irizar-Scania Won Bus Awards
Three manufacturers received top honors at the Sustainable Bus Awards in Madrid for their latest vehicle innovations.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Sustainable Bus Awards 2027 recognized three industry leaders for excellence in design and environmental efficiency. Solaris, BYD, and Irizar-Scania were selected as winners by a panel of European experts.
Why it matters
The awards highlight the rapid evolution of public transport technology, showcasing successful implementations of hydrogen, battery-electric, and hybrid propulsion systems.
The awards jury, composed of specialist journalists from 10 European countries, selected winners based on rigorous comparative evaluations. Criteria included energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and safety metrics.
The players
Solaris
Solaris is a European bus manufacturer known for producing specialized public transport vehicles including hydrogen-powered units.
BYD
BYD is a global technology company and major manufacturer of electric vehicles and battery storage solutions.
Irizar-Scania
Irizar-Scania is a collaborative partnership between the Spanish coach manufacturer Irizar and the Swedish automotive giant Scania.
The details
The Solaris Urbino 18 Hydrogen New Generation was recognized in the Urban category, while the BYD B12.b HF secured the Intercity prize and the Irizar i6S Efficient Scania PHEV won for the Coach category. Winning vehicles were chosen after a thorough review of technical documentation and product presentations focused on powertrain architecture and environmental impact.
Timeline
The awards were presented on 23 September 2026 in Madrid.
Roadmap
The recognition of these vehicles reinforces the industry-wide transition toward diversified green propulsion technologies. These winners represent the current competitive landscape where hydrogen, battery, and hybrid systems vie for market dominance in transit.
The transition to these advanced vehicle types signals potential improvements in transit efficiency and air quality for urban commuters. Operators may find that these award-winning technologies offer lower long-term maintenance costs and improved operational reliability.
The takeaway
These awards demonstrate that multiple propulsion technologies are currently necessary to meet diverse transport needs across Europe. Industry experts emphasize that evaluating these systems through comprehensive criteria helps operators select the most efficient solutions for their specific routes.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in sustainable transit by exploring our Electric Vehicles section.
Live Poll
Do you believe your local transit system should prioritize hydrogen buses over electric or hybrid options?
