Electric vehicles are taking over city streets, and trolleybuses are leading the charge in urban transit solutions. The global trolleybus market, valued at USD 1.35 billion in 2024, is growing at a steady rate of 3.2% annually. Cities worldwide are adopting these electric buses as part of their clean energy plans.
Electric transit revolution underway as trolleybuses power forward in a billion-dollar market growing annually.
China has embraced this technology, with Beijing alone operating more than 1,250 dual-mode trolleybuses. These vehicles can run on overhead wires and switch to battery power when needed, giving them flexibility that wasn’t possible before. This dual capability means they don’t have to stick to fixed routes with wires. The recent global revival of trolleybuses has seen over 300 systems operating worldwide, with particular prominence in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Trolleybuses offer many benefits over regular buses. They don’t produce tailpipe emissions, making city air cleaner. They’re quieter too, reducing noise pollution. Their electric motors provide strong power for climbing hills and carrying many passengers. Without heavy battery packs, they use less energy per mile traveled. Trolleybuses contribute to the renewable energy trend that is expected to provide over one-third of total global electricity generation by 2025.
Cities are finding trolleybuses make financial sense. Places like Seattle and Tallinn have shown these vehicles last longer and cost less to maintain than gas-powered buses. They don’t need expensive charging stations since they draw power from overhead wires. This makes them perfect for busy urban routes that run frequently.
The passenger experience is better on trolleybuses. The ride is smoother with less vibration. Service is more reliable because there’s no need to stop and charge. This reliability helps increase ridership as people trust the service more.
Trolleybuses work well with existing city infrastructure. In dense urban areas where installing charging stations would be difficult, they can use overhead wires that may already be in place. They can operate in dedicated lanes to avoid traffic, making travel times faster and more consistent.
As cities focus more on reducing emissions and improving transit, trolleybuses offer a proven solution that combines the benefits of electric power with practical urban transport needs. According to industry forecasts, electric buses including trolleybuses will represent more than 50% of the total bus market by 2030, highlighting their growing importance in sustainable transportation systems.
References
- https://cleantechnica.com/2025/05/14/why-modern-cities-are-embracing-trolleybuses-again/
- https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/trolley-bus-market
- https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/APTA-Policy-Brief-Transit-Ridership-May-2025.pdf
- https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/transit-infrastructure/
- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/amp/trolley-bus-market-110405
