Škoda Delivers Battery Trolleybuses to Esslingen

Plzeň, Česká republika- ŠKODA TRANSPORTATION a.s., has delivered the first two battery trolleybuses to the German city of Esslingen am Neckar, marking the start of a contract to supply 52 zero-emission vehicles for the city's public transport network. The project supports Esslingen’s goal of operating a fully electric public transport system by the end of 2026, with an option to expand the order by an additional nine trolleybuses.

The order includes ten 12-metre Škoda 32Tr trolleybuses and forty-two 18-metre articulated Škoda 33Tr models. The vehicles combine conventional overhead-line operation with battery-powered driving, enabling them to travel up to 25 kilometres without overhead infrastructure. This flexibility allows electric services to operate on routes where overhead wires are unavailable while also supporting service diversions and network expansion.

Škoda Group said the first vehicle delivery represents an important milestone in one of Germany’s most advanced zero-emission public transport projects. The company highlighted that the battery trolleybuses combine proven electric traction technology with operational flexibility, helping cities modernize public transport while reducing emissions.

Esslingen’s electrification programme, titled "100% Electromobility in Public Transport," aims to convert the city's entire bus network to zero-emission operation. The existing trolleybus network is also being expanded, while renewable electricity supplied by the municipal utility will help ensure climate-friendly public transport across the city.

The new trolleybuses are equipped with low-floor, barrier-free access, modern passenger information systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable seating, electric wheelchair ramps and advanced remote diagnostic capabilities. Energy recuperation technology captures braking energy and returns it to the batteries, improving overall operating efficiency.

The articulated trolleybuses feature a dual-motor drive with two powered axles to deliver improved traction and reliable performance on challenging routes. The contract also includes long-term service and maintenance support to maximize fleet reliability.

The Esslingen project also marks Škoda Group’s return to the German trolleybus market. Building on more than 90 years of trolleybus manufacturing experience, the company continues to expand its presence across Europe with recent trolleybus contracts in cities including Tallinn, Sofia, Ostrava, Jihlava and Banská Bystrica, reflecting growing demand for flexible zero-emission public transport solutions.

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