1,500 electric motors for solaris: more TSA power on roads worldwide

Solaris & TSA: 15 Years of Successful Collaboration
Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA), the global leader in developing and manufacturing electric drive systems for rolling stock and commercial road vehicles, signed a framework agreement with Solaris Bus & Coach in June 2024. Solaris is one of the largest manufacturers of zero-emission city and intercity buses.
Over the next three years, TSA will supply a total of 1,500 HD.T3 permanent magnet synchronous motors.

The first project is already underway: In December 2024, TSA delivered the first five motors for 18 Urbino 18 electric articulated buses bound for Sweden.

‘We are proud that our electric motors, already well-established in the rail sector, are increasingly being used in electric buses on the road as well. To support our expanding product portfolio, we have opened an additional production facility in Wiener Neudorf. Our clear strategy is to become the number one supplier of electric motors for commercial road vehicles, building on our market leadership in the rail sector. To achieve this, we will invest a total of 35 million euros in our Austrian production site over the coming years’, says Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria.

The Unique Features of the HD.T3 Motor
The HD.T3 permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers a peak power of 420 kW and a maximum torque of 4,000 Nm. With an efficiency of over 97%, it is among the top performers in terms of energy efficiency and power density. Its compact design allows for integration into various bus sizes, whether powered by batteries or fuel cells. Thanks to its modular concept, the motor is highly adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of future vehicle categories.

TSA’s HD.T3 motors will be installed in the latest 12-, 15-, and 18-meter electric buses from Solaris, which will soon be delivered. This new generation of vehicles is based on a modular drive architecture co-developed with TSA, eliminating the need for a conventional motor tower. This innovative design increases passenger space and maximizes the vehicle’s usable area while enabling battery placement exclusively on the roof.

To accommodate the new generation of motor production, TSA has made significant investments in its manufacturing processes. A custom-built rotor-stator assembly station has been developed and put into operation. By increasing the level of automation, TSA has reduced production times and enhanced process reliability. This state-of-the-art production system, developed in collaboration with Kistler, is a global one-of-a-kind and underscores TSA’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence. Within just six months, a specialized production line was launched, optimized for the specific requirements of permanent magnet synchronous motors.

‘By 2030, we will invest approximately 1.3 million euros in cutting-edge production technologies and our newly repurposed Plant 2 in Wiener Neudorf, which is now dedicated to manufacturing our ROAD motors’, says Tencl. ‘There is a tremendous interest in our products, particularly in the commercial road vehicle sector. We are receiving numerous inquiries from across Europe and the United States. With this investment roadmap, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the market and actively shape the future of electromobility’, Tencl adds.

Powering the Future of Zero-Emission Public Transport
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is a key player in the European public transport sector, specializing in the development of low-emission and zero-emission buses, including battery-electric, hydrogen, and trolleybuses. With over 25,000 vehicles delivered, Solaris buses operate in 850 cities across 33 countries worldwide. As part of the Spanish CAF Group, Solaris designs and manufactures all its buses in Poland, ensuring high quality and innovation. The company is committed to transforming urban mobility by supporting public transport operators in their transition to sustainable transport solutions. This dedication has been recognized with multiple industry awards, including the prestigious ‘Bus of the Year 2025’ for the Solaris 18 hydrogen bus.

TSA and Solaris have collaborated for many years. In the past, TSA primarily supplied asynchronous motors for Solaris trolleybuses. Now, with the introduction of TSA’s HD.T3 permanent magnet synchronous motor – offering greater efficiency, performance, and durability – Solaris is expanding its portfolio and strengthening its position in the growing market for zero-emission buses.

Together, Solaris and TSA are shaping the future of electromobility. They are fully prepared to make public transport on the roads quieter, cleaner, and more efficient – putting even more power into motion!