Solaris debuts in North America at APTA EXPO 2026 as U.S. transit funding shifts toward mixed powertrains
By Eve
APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 in Chicago (4 to 7 October) featured the North American premiere of the Solaris Urbino 40 electric, the launch of ABC Companies' COR Transit brand, ENC's ZAVIR shuttle platform and VinFast's planned U.S. electric bus entry through NexMove. The exhibition at McCormick Place reflected a shift in U.S. federal funding priorities toward a broader mix of bus powertrains, with displays including three GILLIG buses (diesel, hybrid and battery electric), three NFI Group vehicles and the Nova Bus LFSe+ battery electric model.
Why it matters
The event signals increased competition in the U.S. transit market as European manufacturers enter and new brands launch, while the emphasis on mixed powertrains may influence procurement strategies and charging infrastructure planning as federal funding diversifies beyond pure battery electric solutions.
Source
- Original title
- “What we saw at APTA EXPO 2026: Solaris makes U.S. debut, new COR Transit brand, ZAVIR shuttle concept (and more)”
- Published
- 7 October 2026
- Updated
- 8 October 2026
- Also covered by
- electrive.com · sustainable-bus.com
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- United States
- Tags
- Solaris · COR Transit · ZAVIR · APTA
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