Prague commits to large-scale deployment of SOR electric buses

Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) is deploying new electric buses into regular service for the first time - specifically, the SOR ENS 12 model from Czech manufacturer SOR Libchavy. The initial 18 vehicles feature an electric drivetrain by Škoda Electric and are part of a framework agreement for up to 100 electric buses.

Sor libchavy sor ens e bus prag skoda electric tschechien — Image: DPP – Jakub Lachout

As reported by DPP, the first four SOR battery-electric buses have arrived in Prague and have now been deployed from the Vršovice bus depot on route 213. The remaining buses from the initial order of 18 vehicles will be gradually introduced over the coming weeks. They will primarily operate on routes 154, 159, 185, and 213, as well as occasionally on routes 126, 133, 173, and 175. At weekends, the new vehicles will also serve routes 124 and 207.

A closer look at the SOR ENS 12 model reveals its significance: SOR Libchavy has included this low-floor battery-electric bus in its portfolio since 2019. However, for DPP’s large order, the manufacturer adapted the model, as it originally did not feature a powertrain from Škoda Electric. The updated specifications now include a 160 kW powertrain and up to 308 kWh of battery capacity (NMC batteries), enabling a range of approximately 100 kilometres. Škoda Electric showcased a corresponding example at Busworld 2025 in Brussels. The vehicles were previously tested by Škoda in Pilsen during the summer and have now arrived at their operational base in Prague, where they are being phased into service.

SOR and Škoda Electric have collaborated closely for many years, primarily on battery-trolleybuses until now. The partnership finalised the large order from DPP in October 2023, with the first firm order for 18 electric buses confirmed in November 2024. The framework agreement includes the delivery of up to 100 identical buses by 2028. Specifically for Prague, the buses are equipped not only with plug-in charging capability but can also draw power from conventional overhead lines while stationary. This is particularly relevant for the Czech capital, which boasts an extensively branched trolleybus network.

Some media reports suggest that while the new vehicles bear the SOR logo, they largely correspond to the Škoda E’City electric bus under the bodywork. It remains unclear whether there are other interested parties beyond DPP for this new bus variant. The 18 electric buses now in Prague are distributed across three depots: twelve units are stationed in Vršovice, four in Klíčov, and two in Hostivař.

The new electric buses are part of DPP’s modernisation initiative and will replace the oldest diesel buses in its fleet. For 2026 alone, the transport operator has ordered 118 additional new vehicles, including 14 more SOR ENS 12 battery-electric buses, 30 Bozankaya SNG 12T trolleybuses, and 30 Iveco Urbanway Hybrid 18M articulated hybrid buses. The remaining orders are for new diesel vehicles.

tschechien.news, dpp.cz, busportal.cz (both in Czech)