The first of four Trollino 18,75 have already started operation in Esslingen am Neckar in Baden-Württemberg region in Germany. These modern and zero emission vehicles have been delivered by a consortium of Solaris Bus & Coach and Vossloh Kiepe. Equipped above standard, Solaris trolleybuses have the ability to operate independently from overhead wire power.
The new order of innovative Trollino within the TrolleyPlus project opens completely new opportunities for SVE Esslingen operator. The vehicles are equipped with a very innovative lithium-titanate battery set, which allows them to operate without traction energy supply. Thanks to this state-of-the-art solution the operator can offer zero-emission public transport, also in the areas out of traction reach. Winfried Hermann, The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Baden-Wuerttemberg, who attended the official presentation of Solaris trolleybuses, defined the investment as a flagship project of nation-wide importance.
German producer Vossloh Kiepe is responsible for the delivery of the traction system, the drive and the batteries of the articulated 18.75-metre Trollino. These vehicles are fitted with double axle drive, which means that two electric motors power two of the trolleybuses’ three axles. The result is significantly improved acceleration and traction. This solution also assures reliable electric breaking with a great recovery of power. Batteries draw energy from the overhead wires whilst driving as well as recovering energy from the breaking process. The effect is a bus successfully combining the best features of trolleybuses and battery buses.
Interior LED lighting makes the journey with Trollino 18.75 much nicer, LED daytime driving lights outside the bus increase the safety, not to mention its economy. In the innovative trolleybus, 43 seats will be available.
Esslingen is one of three German cities where trolleybuses operate. New Trollino 18.75 will make it possible to run new, completely emission-free routes in Esslingen’s transport network. The new order of innovative Solaris products is a further step of the city’s trolleybus fleet renewal. The vehicles have been purchased within the Trolley Plus which is co-financed by Baden-Württemberg state as well as Stuttgart region in the framework of “Model region of sustainable urban mobility” programme.
Solaris trolleybuses have been present in Germany since 2010. 12 articulated Trollino 18 have recently joined Eberswalde’s fleet. Esslingen will be the second city in Germany to operate Solaris trolleybuses.
Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is one of the leading producers of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses in particular on the development of zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. This has resulted in the widest zero-emission product range in the European market and a leading position in this segment with a market share of 15.2%. Nearly 25,000 Solaris vehicles have been delivered so far and they ply the streets in 850 towns and cities across 33 countries located throughout Europe as well as beyond it. Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland. Moreover, all activities undertaken by the manufacturer are in line with the brand’s mission, which is reflected in the motto “We are changing the image of public transport”. Solaris also actively partners with public transport operators and provides them with comprehensive support in their transition to zero-emission mobility.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
E-mobility Development & Market Intelligence Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
