Eco-solutions: first energy-saving trolley bus takes to the streets in Chernivtsi

The city's first four purchased Solaris Trollino 12 trolleybuses entered the Chernivtsi route.

Alltransua reports this.

What is the problem?

Ukraine's public transportation mainly consists of outdated and energy-intensive modes, which should be replaced with more energy-efficient and convenient options.

This is especially relevant now, when the country is at war, and the enemy has been purposefully attacking energy facilities since the fall.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported on the air of the national telethon "Yedyni Novyny" that during the 500 days of the full-scale war, half of the entire energy sector of Ukraine was damaged by Russian shelling, and 271 hits to energy facilities were verified.

What is the solution?

The Solaris Trollino 12, the first energy-saving trolley bus, is now in operation in Chernivtsi.

How does it work?

It is noted that the city purchased four used Solaris Trollino trolleybuses from the Czech city of Opava.

Only two cars have made it to Chernivtsi so far, and they've both been decked out with the city's signature design.

Low-floor trolleybuses of the year 2006 cost Chernivtsi 29.2 thousand euros per unit.

One aspect that sets this transportation method apart is its incorporation of cutting-edge technology in its electrical equipment. This enables significant electricity savings of up to 40 percent through its ability to return it to the contact network.

Chernivtsi became the third Ukrainian city after Vinnytsia and Lutsk, where Solaris Trollino trolleybuses began to run.

For reference:

The Polish bus manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach has produced the Solaris Trollino 12 or Solaris T12 trolleybuses since 2001. The Solaris T12 is a fully low-floor model that can regenerate 40% of energy back to the power grid, can operate independently from the power grid, and has convenient accommodations for wheelchair users and parents with strollers.

It should be noted that Chernihiv is also planning to launch new "Etalon" trolleybuses with autonomous operation, which are recharged while driving.

^{"Etalon" trolleybuses. Photo: Chernihiv Society}

The trolleybus is manufactured at the Chernihiv Automobile Plant and has Ukrainian-made components. In tests without a contact network, it traveled 35 kilometers.

"The trolleybus is charged in motion mode. It drives like a regular trolley bus; at this time, the traction batteries are charged. Then, when they are charged to 100%, there is an opportunity to fold the rods, current collectors and in autonomous mode drive around the city from 15 to 20 kilometers," explained the director of the utility company "Chernihiv Trolleybus Management" Ruslan Yemets.

Currently, the first model is being tested and refined.

The trolleybus will be launched on the route only after additional tests with passengers. It will take about two months.

It should be noted that Vinnytsia aims to collect ten more energy-saving low-floor VinLine trolleybuses.

Also, the first 12 Swiss Tram2000 trams entered the routes in Vinnytsia.

In addition, the Czech city of Ostrava is handing over 25 tram cars and three comfortable buses to Konotop in the Sumy region.