Transformation of Trolleybus Transport in Poland. Does In-Motion Charging (Technology) Matter?

Abstract

Transport in cities is one of the most important sources of emissions. Electromobility is an essential element in the catalogue of activities of local authorities aimed at combating climate change. Over the years trolleybus transport has been characterised by both phases of development and regression and is still an essential component of zero-emission urban transport in about 300 cities worldwide. The development of electricity storage technology, especially in the form of a battery, has opened up new prospects for this mode of transport. A trolleybus equipped with a battery (in-motion charging technology) gains unique characteristics for operation independent of the catenary. This study presents the approach for assessing the development of in-motion charging for trolleybuses in all Polish cities operating this means of transport. A set of KPIs has therefore, been set and analysed. The analysis covers a comparison between 2014 and 2019, aimed at showing the development of technological innovations in this field. The results clearly show that in-motion charging technology leads to the development of trolleybus transport, although this development has mainly a qualitative dimension. A key factor determining the development of trolleybus transport using in-motion charging technology is progress in the development of traction batteries.

Stakeholders’ Analysis of Environmental Sustainability in Urban Logistics: A Case Study of Tricity, Poland

“…Furthermore, it has been used to present environmental sustainability in urban logistics [85][86][87]. Finally, it has also been utilized to show environmental sustainability in Tricity (or its cities of Gdynia, Gdańsk, and Sopot) as a whole [88][89][90] or its elements [91,92], even for only small groups of city users [93].…”

“…The case study method, even if perceived as an easy and not-demanding method, is rigorous and represents strong practical evidence [91]. Its result should be a theoretical construct(s) or theory based on the case, presenting empirical evidence [94].…”

The Economic Effects of Electromobility in Sustainable Urban Public Transport

“…In the context of analysing how zero-emission buses operate, it is also worth considering trolleybuses which have long been functioning in urban areas. Studies focusing on this type of buses were completed by, inter alia, Zavada et al [120], Wołek et al [121,122], or Bartłomiejczyk this type of vehicle were also obtained by Dziubinski et al [124], Grygar et al [125], and Jakubas et al [126].…”

Sustainable Use of the Catenary by Trolleybuses with Auxiliary Power Sources on the Example of Gdynia

“…Having identified the research gap related to the onboard energy carriers and the efficient and sustainable use thereof in trolleybus transport, an attempt was made to examine the possible solutions for optimal application of such solutions [11]. The growing interest on the part of trolleybus operators and authorities of various cities which do not utilise the in-motion charging technology for their trolleybuses makes this subject scientifically relevant [9,12]. This article outlines the results of the research conducted to answer the following research questions:…”

“…A number of aid programmes are in place, financed mainly from the budget of the European Union, to help municipal transport authorities purchase new electric-and hydrogen-powered buses or trolleybuses. One of the beneficiaries of those programmes and a good example of sustainable development of municipal transport based on low-and zero-emissions vehicles is the city of Gdynia [5,9,10].…”