Škoda Group has been awarded a contract to supply 46 trolleybuses in the German city of Esslingen following a public tender by the local transport operator, Städtischer Verkehrsbetrieb Esslingen am Neckar.
The order consists of both 12-metre and 18-metre trolleybuses, alongside an option for an additional 15 vehicles. The trolleybuses will be based on the Škoda 32Tr and 33Tr platforms.
The contract, valued at 41.4 million EUR (excluding the optional additional vehicles), forms part of Esslingen’s strategy to expand its trolleybus network and transition to emission-free urban transport. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The new trolleybuses will be equipped with batteries capable of operating for up to 25 km without a catenary, enabling greater route flexibility. A regenerative braking system will enhance energy efficiency by recharging the batteries during deceleration. Škoda Group will also provide full servicing for the fleet.
The 12-metre 32Tr trolleybuses will have two doors, while the 18-metre articulated 33Tr models will feature three. Seating will be designed to provide a level of comfort more commonly associated with intercity services. The vehicles will also include electric ramps for passengers with mobility needs, real-time information systems, and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
The trolleybuses will be powered by Škoda’s asynchronous electric motors, with the articulated models featuring a twin-motor design with two driven axles. This configuration is expected to improve handling in hilly areas and adverse weather conditions. The vehicles will also be equipped with remote diagnostics capabilities to support maintenance and service operations.
Esslingen is extending its trolleybus network by five kilometres, bringing the total to 34 km. With this order, the local transport operator plans to transition to fully emission-free public transport by operating all routes exclusively with trolleybuses powered by renewable electricity supplied by Stadtwerke Esslingen (SWE).
The Mayor of Esslingen, Matthias Klopfer, said:Once the new trolleybuses from Škoda Group are delivered, Esslingen will become one of the first cities in Germany with emission-free local transport. In terms of environmentally friendly mobility, this makes us an absolute pioneer throughout Germany. At the same time, our municipal transport company is making a significant contribution to ensuring that we as a city achieve climate neutrality by 2040.
The delivery of these trolleybuses represents a step towards achieving Esslingen’s climate neutrality goals by 2040 while strengthening Škoda Group’s position in the German public transport sector.
