Bozankaya’s Victory in Prague’s Trolleybus Tender Highlights Turkish Engineering Prowess
Bozankaya, a Turkish transportation vehicle manufacturer with a historical dating back to 1989, emerged victorious in Prague’s competitive bid for 70 modern trolleybus units, securing A landmark deal that underscores Turkey’s growing influence in the European transit manufacturing sector. This win follows a tense bidding process clouded by legal challenges, yet Bozankaya’s innovative approach and strategic collaborations ultimately paved the way for their success.
Innovative Design and Technical Excellence Drive Deployment of Electric Trolleybus
The vehicles delivered to Prague are equipped with cutting-edge features, notably, state-of-the-art battery systems enabling them to operate without overhead electric wires. These trolleybus utilize advanced lithium-titanate-oxide (LTO) batteries supplied by Forsee Power. The batteries, housed in four modular units, provide approximately 60 kWh capacity, allowing seamless, wire-free operation for sections of the route where traditional catenary systems are impractical or costly to install.
Integrating these batteries, Bozankaya enables Prague’s transit authority to improve route flexibility, reduce infrastructure costs, and promote sustainable urban mobility. The vehicles also incorporate energy recuperation systems that maximize efficiency during braking, extending operational range beyond typical expectations for urban electric buses.
Overcoming Legal and Supply Chain Challenges Through Strategic Partnerships
The journey from bid submission to final delivery was marked by intense legal disputes. Skoda, Prague’s original preferred supplier, filed complaints citing concerns over the technical prototype approval, schedule, and transparency of the bidding process. Meanwhile, the acquisition of key components faced obstacles, especially with Skoda’s purchase of the initial drivetrain supply chain company, Cegelec.
In response, Bozankaya adapted swiftly, establishing collaborations with Polish firm Medcom to develop the traction system independently. These strategic moves fostered resilience against supply uncertainties and exemplify how Turkish manufacturers can maintain momentum when faced with geopolitical and contractual complications.
On-Time Delivery and Integration into Prague’s Transit System
Despite the legal precarities, Bozankaya successfully delivered the first batch of trolleybus in December 2025, with subsequent units arriving through May. The initial 13 vehicles received acceptance from Prague’s transit authorities, who now operate these units along designated routes, significantly enhancing the city’s eco-friendly transport options.
Beyond meeting contractual obligations, Bozankaya’s engineering team conducted extensive testing to ensure compliance with safety standards, operational reliability, and passenger comfort. Feedback from early deployment indicates high satisfaction levels, positioning the Turkish firm as a key player in European urban transit modernization.
“This project demonstrates how strategic innovation and adaptive planning enable manufacturers to overcome complex legal and logistical challenges, delivering sustainable transit solutions across borders.”
