In use right at our doorstep: Eberspaecher air-conditioning systems for Esslingen’s public transport

Esslingen (Germany), 17 July, 2026 – As part of the electrification of Esslingen’s public transport, Eberspaecher is providing thermal management systems for the new battery trolleybuses. A total of 52 Škoda buses have been equipped with the AC135-230 roof-mounted 
air-conditioning system. In front of international representatives from the worlds of politics and business, the first two vehicles were delivered to Staedtischer Verkehrsbetrieb Esslingen am Neckar SVE (Municipal Transit Authority). By taking on a project in its own hometown, Eberspaecher is demonstrating its expertise in thermal management for electrified mobility.

The city of Esslingen’s “100% Electric Public Transportation” project aims to ensure that its public transport operates with zero local emissions by the end of 2026. The existing overhead power line network, which is unique to three municipalities in the country, forms an important foundation for this. In a move that will further electrify public transport, the Škoda Group is delivering a total of 52 buses to Esslingen, including twelve-metre single-section buses and 18-metre articulated buses. These vehicles can operate using contact wires as well as with its battery-electric drive, enabling them to travel up to 25 kilometers without contact. This enables sections of the route to be served flexibly, even where there is no appropriate infrastructure, without the need for detours or service interruptions. Deliveries will take place in phases through the end of 2026.

Connected to the Esslingen site
Eberspaecher’s headquarters is located just a few kilometers from the routes on which the vehicles will operate in the future. “The history of Eberspaecher began right here in Esslingen over 160 years ago. What continues to define us to this day is our innovative strength. It is the source of solutions that make mobility more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable. We are proud that our climate control technology is now on board the new trolleybuses in our hometown. This underscores how we are actively supporting the transformation of public transit with reliable thermal management solutions,” says Joerg Steins, CEO of the Eberspaecher Group.

Reliable air-conditioning systems for optimal comfort
Efficient thermal management is essential for ensuring passenger comfort and operational safety in all-electric local transportation vehicles. Eberspaecher has many years of experience in the development and series production of heating and cooling systems for electrified vehicle designs. The AC135-230 roof-mounted air-conditioner from Eberspaecher provides climate control for the passenger compartment of the new battery trolleybuses. With 30 kW of cooling and 35 kW of heating output, the system ensures comfortable internal temperatures year-round and operates using an electric compressor mounted separately on the vehicle’s roof.

The AC135-230 has been designed for use with medium and large city buses. Thanks to its compact, low-profile design, it requires only a small amount of roof space, and thus creates additional room for the further components necessary for trolleybuses. At the same time, the system offers high cooling power despite its low weight. The systems are manufactured at the Eberspaecher plant in Bangalore, India, before being customized in the Czech Republic according to customer specifications.

About the Bus and Coach Business Unit
The bus air-conditioning experts have been part of the Bus and Coach Business Unit since 2010. As a specialist in thermal management with an international presence, the company develops customer-specific heating and cooling solutions covering a wide range of requirements and regulating reliably and efficiently the temperature of passenger compartments. The Business Unit has seven sites worldwide and a service network of over 700 partners, ensuring the global availability of its products and services.

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General contact for Eberspächer:
Phone: +49 711 939-00
info@eberspaecher.com

Global Media Contact: 
Anja Kaufer
Vice President Corporate and Public Relations
Eberspächer Group
Phone: +49 711 939-0250
press@eberspaecher.com

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About Eberspaecher:
With approximately 10,400 employees at 80 locations worldwide, the Eberspaecher Group is one of the leading system developers and suppliers in the automotive industry. The family-owned company based in Esslingen am Neckar plays an active part in shaping technological change and develops forward-looking solutions for the automotive market and beyond. Its focus is on existing and new business areas such as exhaust technology, thermal management, automotive electronics, hydrogen, energy storage, and software. In classic drives and in e-mobility, Eberspaecher components and systems ensure increased comfort, higher safety, and a clean environment. In the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier, Eberspaecher is a pioneer for future technologies in mobility and industry. In 2025, the Group generated revenue of around 5.0 billion euros. Net revenue adjusted for transitory items amounted to 2.5 billion euros.