Czech Republic, Ostrava orders 16 Škoda 26Tr battery trolleybuses for 2027 delivery

Czech public transport operator Dopravní podnik Ostrava (DPO) and Škoda Group have signed a framework agreement for up to 16 new Škoda 26Tr battery trolleybuses. Fourteen vehicles are part of the base order, with two additional units as an option. Deliveries will begin in 2027 in Ostrava, the third largest Czech city, and the contract is valued at over CZK 268 million. The vehicles are bodied by Solaris.

Skoda recent contracts include battery trolleybuses for Jihlava, Chomutov, Jirkov, Hradec Králové, and Zlín, as well as international orders for Esslingen, Germany (52 units) and Tallinn, Estonia (40 units).

Skoda trolleybuses headed to Ostrava

The 12-metre, fully low-floor trolleybuses feature modern bodies, full air conditioning, a camera system for passenger and driver safety, and a traction battery enabling at least 15 kilometres of operation without catenary.

The new vehicles complement DPO’s existing fleet of 75 trolleybuses, 58 of which are Škoda models, including 23×26Tr, 17×27Tr, and 18×36Tr. Ostrava’s trolleybus network runs 12 lines covering key transfer hubs such as the Main Railway Station, Miloš Sýkora Bridge, and Hranečník Terminal.

“Ostrava has long been one of the most progressive cities in the field of urban transport, and we greatly appreciate the continuation of our cooperation. The new 26Tr trolleybuses with battery range will bring greater flexibility, comfort and operational efficiency to both transport operators and passengers,” says Karel Majer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Electric in the Škoda Group.

“The advantage is that the vehicle can also serve streets where there is no catenary, while remaining fully electric, i.e. quiet and emission-free. Outside the trolleybus lines, the trolleybus switches to battery power and runs as an electric bus,” says Daniel Morys, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of DPO, adding: “The new trolleybuses will also be equipped with air conditioning throughout the vehicle and a camera system, including a collision camera. In this way, we want to ensure maximum comfort and safety for passengers.”