Ikarus and Yutong win tender for 160 trolleybuses in Budapest
- András Sudár
- Sep 5
- 1 min read
The vehicles included in this tender are the result of the joint efforts of Ikarus and Yutong, specifically designed to meet the needs of Budapest’s public transport.
The multi-stage public procurement process of the Budapest Transport Company (BKK) has concluded, with the joint bid of Ikarus and Yutong declared the winner for the supply of 160 trolleybuses equipped with autonomous driving capability. The consortium offered the most favorable price–value ratio and guaranteed an additional 36-month warranty for the vehicles.
The result of the procurement will become final after the contract moratorium ends on September 5. The basic order covers 40 vehicles – 16 solo and 24 articulated – meaning that soon, 40 brand-new, modern Ikarus–Yutong trolleybuses will be operating on the streets of Budapest.
Budapest aims to more than double its current trolleybus network of approximately 155 kilometers by 2030. The new Ikarus–Yutong vehicles will play a key role in this development, offering a modern and cost-effective solution for the city’s public transport by combining the electric bus platform with overhead line technology.
Premium features tailored to Budapest
The Ikarus–Yutong consortium has integrated premium, non-standard features into the Budapest-bound vehicles, including:
• Bicycle transport capability
• Additional safety systems
• Regenerative braking with grid feedback
• Extended autonomous range of 60–70 kilometers, enabling significant expansion of the trolleybus network
A milestone partnership
This achievement represents not only a milestone for Budapest but also for the cooperation between Ikarus and Yutong. The winning BKK tender is the first tangible manifestation of their long-term partnership, which will be built on joint developments and future projects between the two companies.