In subsequent years the city bus range was broadened, as new models were added, though initially these were conventionally fuelled vehicles.

[5][1] After its première in 2012, the Solaris Urbino 12 electric was produced in many different configurations, with a wide range of suppliers of powertrains and charging systems, so as to offer solutions fitted best to the individual needs of its clients.

[6][2] The first five 12-metre electric buses made it to the public transport operator in Braunschweig, Germany, in 2014, as part of the EMIL programme.

[11] Other cities using Solaris Urbino 12 electric of the third generation include Oberhausen, Düsseldorf, Drezno and Västerås.

Various configurations can be applied in the new generation vehicles, depending on customer needs, including two wheel hub-mounted ZF AVE 130 motors, each with an output of 125 kilowatts (168 hp) or, optionally, a central engine.

[14] The first order for new vehicles was secured even before the official unveiling; it was placed by public transport operator Üstra from Hanover, where three buses in the new design ended up in 2015.

[20] An equivalent of the Škoda Perun for the Urbino 12 electric of the new, fourth generation was crafted on the same terms as the previous model.

The Solaris Urbino 12 electric was on display at the Hannover Messe, a public transport fair, from 23 until 28 April 2017, on the stand representing Poland's innovation power.

During the trade fair, this stand was visited among others by then Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.

[24] Three other electric vehicles competed against Solaris: Irizar i2e, EbusCo 2.1, VanHool Exqui.City and the CNG fuelled Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT.