“I am immensely proud that we have once again confirmed our position as the leading trolleybus manufacturer in Europe. We place great emphasis on sustainability and innovation in vehicle production and I am pleased to be able to offer our partners solutions that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. The Baltics is one of our most important regions, as we have already delivered hundreds of vehicles here,” says Petr Novotný, President Components & Bus Mobility at Škoda Group. “In addition to our trolleybuses, our double-decker electric units are also in service in Lithuania, and we are very interested in getting involved in other train tenders as well. We are thrilled to be able to contribute with our products to create a greener and more comfortable public transport system for the residents of Lithuania.”
“Trolleybuses with traction batteries and dynamic catenary charging are a highly efficient technology with huge economic and environmental potential. Another distinct advantage is that these vehicles do not require additional electric charging infrastructure, which is required for electric buses. Also, the new vehicles will significantly reduce existing repair costs and passenger inconvenience, thus ensuring faster, more timely and comfortable journeys for both the company’s drivers and our passengers. This type of trolleybus is more manoeuvrable, more comfortable, and can bypass obstacles not only at junctions but also on surrounding streets if necessary, making the public transport system even more flexible and efficient,” said Darius Aleknavičius, Director General of Vilnius Public Transport.
Modern low-floor trolleybuses with battery
Almost a hundred Škoda 32 Tr low-floor trolleybuses from Škoda Group will be plying the streets of the Lithuanian capital. These twelve-metre vehicles will be equipped with a traction battery for autonomous driving over a distance of at least 20 km. The battery can be recharged directly from the catenary while in motion (so-called In-Motion-Charging). Alternatively, the batteries can be recharged at the depot via the CCS2 connector. Traffic safety and increased driver comfort are ensured by a modern camera system for monitoring traffic in front of the vehicle, as well as the “Mirror Eye” system replacing conventional exterior side mirrors.
Passenger safety inside the vehicle will be enhanced by a camera system for monitoring the vehicle’s interior. Advanced air conditioning will be installed in the trolleybuses, both in the passenger compartment and in the driver’s cab. Passengers can also look forward to a comprehensive information system and Wi-Fi connectivity. Furthermore, there is a boarding ramp for people with reduced mobility. Another noteworthy feature is the virus neutralisation device. The order also includes a contract for the supply of spare parts needed for regular maintenance of the trolleybuses for the first 5 years of operation.
Škoda trolleybuses have a long tradition in the Lithuanian capital. Since the 1960s there have been several hundred vehicles in operation, mostly of the Škoda 9 Tr and Škoda 14 Tr type. These trolleybuses have always been popular and considered very reliable. The last deliveries of these older types were made in the 1990s. Since 2018, there have been 41 trolleybuses with Škoda traction equipment in operation in Vilnius.
