Esslingen’s public transport operator, Städtischer Verkehrsbetrieb Esslingen (SVE), has awarded a contract to Skoda Group for the supply of 46 battery-powered trolleybuses, with deliveries scheduled by the end of 2026. The deal includes an option for an additional 15 vehicles.
The investment, valued at approximately €41.5 million, follows the insolvency of Belgian manufacturer Van Hool, which had previously been contracted to supply new trolleybuses in 2022. “As energy and raw material prices have now recovered somewhat, the offer from Skoda is even more favourable than the original order from Van Hool,” said Johannes Müller, Technical Plant Manager at SVE. The city has also secured €27.4 million in federal funding to support the expansion of its electrified transport system.
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The new fleet will consist of a mix of 12-meter Škoda 32Tr and 18-meter Škoda 33Tr articulated trolleybuses, each equipped with batteries that allow up to 25 kilometers of operation without overhead lines. The order also includes maintenance services.
In addition to replacing older vehicles, the procurement supports the expansion of Esslingen’s trolleybus network from 29 to 34 kilometers. The city plans to operate a fully emission-free local transport system powered by renewable electricity from municipal energy provider Stadtwerke Esslingen (SWE). “Once the new trolleybuses from Škoda Group are delivered, Esslingen will become one of the first cities in Germany with emission-free local transport,” said Mayor Matthias Klopfer.
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“We are very pleased that Škoda Group has been selected for this important contract,” said Karel Majer, CEO of Škoda Electric. “We look forward to close cooperation with the city of Esslingen and believe that our new trolleybuses will contribute to achieving the goal of 100% emission-free urban transport.”