Optare Solo
| Switch Solo Switch Solo SR | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).JPG) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Optare/Switch Mobility |
| Production | 1998–2012 (Solo) 2007–present (Solo SR) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minibus Midibus |
| Body style | Single-decker bus |
| Doors | 1 door or 2 doors |
| Floor type | Low entry |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Cummins B series/ISB/ISBe MAN Mercedes-Benz |
| Capacity | 19–37 seated |
| Transmission | Allison Siemens (hybrid electric) Enova Systems (fully electric) Magtec (fully electric) Voith DIWA (SR version only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 7.10–10.30 m (23 ft 4 in – 33 ft 10 in) |
| Width | 2.33–2.5 m (7 ft 8 in – 8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 2.73 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Optare MetroRider |
The Switch Solo (previously called Optare Solo) is a low-floor single decker bus made by Switch Mobility in 1998. There are 2 generations and it has different lengths.
Optare Solo (1998–2012)[change | change source]
The Optare Solo is a low-floor single decker bus made by Optare. It was launched in 1998 and it has different widths and lengths. In 2007 the Solo was replaced by the Solo SR
Slimline[change | change source]
A narrow version called the "Slimline"[1] was launched in 2004
SE[change | change source]
A short version called the "SE"[1] was launched in 2006
EV[change | change source]
An Electric version called the "EV" was launched in 2009
Gallery[change | change source]
-
First generation Solo Original (M1020) -
First generation Solo Slimline (M780SL) -
First generation Solo SE (M780SE) -
Rear of a Townlynx Solo M880 in Chester in April 2009 -
Rear of an Arriva North East Solo M950 in Darlington in May 2009. Note the difference in tail lights used on both rears.
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Optare/Switch Solo SR (2007–Present)[change | change source]
The Optare Solo SR is a low-floor single decker bus made by Optare. It was launched in 2007 and it replaced the first generation Optare Solo.[2]
In 2020, Optare changed its name to Switch Mobility[3] and made electric vehicles only.[3]
In 2023, Optare Solo SR was replaced with Switch Solo SR,[4] the bus interior and exterior stayed the same.
Slimline[change | change source]
A narrow version called the "Slimline" was launched.
SE[change | change source]
A short version called the "SE" was launched
Hybrid[change | change source]
A diesel-electric hybrid Solo was launched.
EV[change | change source]
A battery electric Solo was launched in 2012.[5]
Gallery[change | change source]
-
Second generation SR (M960) -
Second generation Slimline (M925SL) -
Second generation Hybrid (M820SR) -
Second generation EV (M920EV) -
Second generation SR (M960) rear -
Second generation SE (M720SE) rear
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References[change | change source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Solo - more models, more choice, more flexibility". Optare. Archived from the original on 17 August 2007.
- ↑ "Optare will no longer go Solo". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Optare Group Limited renamed as Switch Mobility Limited". Optare. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ↑ "SWITCH Mobility restarts Solo production". Bus & Coach Buyer. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ↑ "Electric Optare Solo SRs on trial". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 1 June 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
