Trolleybuses with Hybrid Technology

Northern Italian public transport operator T.E.P. (Trasporti pubblici Parma) ordered nine hybrid trolleybuses from partners Van Hool and Kiepe Electric in 2011. The newly designed articulated vehicles from Belgian vehicle manufacturer Van Hool will be equipped with electrical traction equipment and a regenerated energy storage system by Kiepe Electric. 

This combination of hybrid and trolleybus technology is totally unique. Recent comparative tests, which measured the vehicles’ energy consumption, confirm long-term savings of up to 20 percent.

This is made possible by high-performance capacitors integrated into the Kiepe on-board energy storage unit. These supercaps store the kinetic energy regenerated during braking. This energy is then released again to be used for acceleration, the heating and air conditioning systems as well as for overhead line-free operation.

For longer routes without overhead line contact, a diesel unit conforming to Euro V emissions standard is also fitted. A force ventilated traction motor powers the second axle gear.