The Škoda Group has officially introduced the latest generation of its battery-powered trolleybuses in Tallinn.
Launched during a presentation event on 8 April; Škoda will deliver an order of 40 new battery trolleybuses to the Estonian capital later this year, including 22 eighteen-metre Škoda 33Tr trolleybuses and 18 twelve-metre Škoda 32Tr trolleybuses.
The presentation event also included a first test drive of the new vehicle, which offered both stakeholders and media a direct experience and opened with remarks from city representatives. The event was attended by
With the ability to operate up to 25 kilometres outside of an overhead line network; the combined value for both the vehicles and their comprehensive service and maintenance has been valued at more than 50 million EUR, which includes an option for an additional 30 trolleybuses.
Petr Kasenčák, Head of Sales Bus Mobility at Škoda Group, said:Our latest trolleybuses are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern cities.
They bring together reliability, efficiency and flexibility in a single solution. Thanks to onboard batteries, operators can maintain continuous service even in sections without overhead infrastructure, which is increasingly important in dense or historically sensitive urban areas.
Škoda’s latest generation of trolleybuses aim to allow cities to reduce their dependence on overhead wiring, particularly in central districts where visual impact and spatial constraints remain a key consideration. They also seek to maintain the core strengths of trolleybus systems, including high energy efficiency and stable power supply.
The Tallinn project also aims to demonstrate the importance of integrating advanced vehicles with upgraded existing infrastructure, with its modernisation ensuring full compatibility with the new fleet, as well as long-term operation.
Each vehicle will feature air conditioning, a fully low-floor design, and modern information systems, including Wi-Fi connectivity. The units will be fitted with sliding doors and an electric ramp for those in wheelchairs and in possession of strollers.
With propulsion driven by modern and economical equipment based on IGBT elements, the units utilise two driven axles, allowing for better traction in winter conditions.
