DPP introduces first SOR ENS 12 (with Skoda) electric buses on Prague routes, out of a 100-units contract

The first SOR ENS 12 electric buses have entered regular passenger service in Prague, marking the operational debut of a new battery-electric type in the city’s bus fleet.

The start of service follows a press note issued by Prague Public Transit Company (Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy, DPP) in mid-December, outlining the phased introduction of the SOR ENS 12 into everyday operation. As of 18 December 2025, four vehicles have been dispatched from the Vršovice depot onto selected duties on route 213, representing the first step in a broader deployment plan.

The framework agreement covers the purchase of up to 100 SOR ENS 12 electric buses equipped with Škoda Electric drivetrains. Funding includes CZK 800 million (excluding VAT) in co-financing from the European Union’s Modernisation Fund, via the Czech Ministry of the Environment’s TRANSGov programme.

DPP rolls out SOR electric buses in Prague

According to DPP, the initial four buses form part of a first order for 18 SOR ENS 12 electric buses, all of which have now been delivered and allocated across three depots in Prague. Twelve vehicles are based at Vršovice, four at Klíčov and two at Hostivař. The remaining buses from the batch are scheduled to enter service progressively over the coming weeks.

As additional vehicles are commissioned, DPP expects the new electric buses to appear on a growing number of routes. Passengers are set to encounter the SOR ENS 12 primarily on lines 154, 159, 185 and 213, with more limited deployment on routes 126, 133, 173 and 175. At weekends, the vehicles are also planned for operation on lines 124 and 207.

The staged rollout reflects the final preparation work still underway, including vehicle registration, application of Prague Integrated Transport livery, installation of ticket validators and passenger information systems, and completion of commissioning procedures ahead of full-scale operation.

The SOR ENS 12 introduction forms part of DPP’s wider bus fleet renewal programme, under which the new electric vehicles will replace an equivalent number of the oldest diesel buses, to be withdrawn from service. The move supports both Prague’s Climate Plan and national emissions-reduction requirements for urban transport.

SOR ENS 12 electric buses for DPP (with Skoda)

The SOR ENS 12 is fitted with an updated Škoda Electric propulsion system. Batteries are specified with a guaranteed range of up to 100 km on a single charge. Charging options include a dual-pole pantograph for opportunity charging and a plug-in socket for depot charging.

DPP reports that the delivery also includes an energy management system to monitor vehicle range, manage charging processes and provide fire detection alerts. A notable interior change compared with existing buses is the installation of a second sliding door, intended to ease boarding for passengers with prams or wheelchairs, supported by two designated multipurpose areas.

Additional features include a heat pump for heating and cooling to improve energy efficiency, a passenger information system, CCTV with recording capability, and a kneeling function to facilitate boarding.

DPP renewal fleet plan, outlined

Looking ahead, DPP has placed orders for a total of 118 new buses and trolleybuses for delivery during 2026. Of these, 74 vehicles—almost 63%—will be fully or partially zero-emission. Planned deliveries include a further 14 SOR ENS 12 electric buses by mid-December 2026, 30 Bozankaya SNG 12T trolleybuses due in February and April (out of the tender awarded in early 2025), and 30 articulated Iveco Urbanway Hybrid 18M buses, part of a 140-units order.

The 2026 intake will also comprise 40 diesel Iveco Streetway 18M buses and four three-axle Iveco Crossway LE 14.5M vehicles for the Airport Express service. DPP notes that all orders are being executed under competitively tendered, valid framework agreements.