Energy and Environmental Benefits of In-Motion Charging Trolleybuses: A Case Study of Vilnius

Olga Orynycz (), Gabriel Santos Rodrigues, João Gilberto Mendes dos Reis, Ewa Kulesza, Jonas Matijošius () and Sivanilza Teixeira Machado
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Olga Orynycz: Department of Production Management, Faculty of Engineering Management, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska Street 45A, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
Gabriel Santos Rodrigues: RESUP-Research Group, Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212-4fl, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil
João Gilberto Mendes dos Reis: RESUP-Research Group, Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212-4fl, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil
Ewa Kulesza: Department of Mechanics and Applied Computer Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska Street 45A, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
Jonas Matijošius: Mechanic Science Institute, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Plytinės Str. 25, LT-10105 Vilnius, Lithuania
Sivanilza Teixeira Machado: NAPOLE Research Group, Federal Institute of São Paulo, Av. Mogi das Cruzes 1501, Suzano 08673-010, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions depends mostly on urban transport electrification. However, the role of trolleybus systems in this process is still under discussion. The objective of this study was to analyze the viability of trolleybus buses in relation to diesel buses regarding environmental and economic aspects. The research was conducted in Vilnius, Lithuania using an extended CO 2 emission methodology incorporating physicochemical fuel properties and real-world operational data that allowed us to estimate CO 2 emissions and economic impacts. The findings indicate that the Vilnius trolleybus system prevents 84,996.32 kg of CO 2 emissions monthly compared to diesel buses (gross avoided emissions). After accounting for emissions from electricity generation (based on Lithuania’s 2023 grid mix), the net avoided emissions are approximately 61,569 kg of CO 2 per month, equivalent to EUR 4284 in carbon credits. The system also significantly reduces local air pollutants. Moreover, the new In-Motion Charging (IMC) technology improves system flexibility by decreasing dependence on overhead wires and maintaining low emission levels. IMC trolleybuses represent a cost-efficient option compared to battery-electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell buses (FCEBs). Our findings support the European Union’s decarbonization goals and provide essential insights for policymakers considering public transportation electrification efforts.

Keywords: trolleybus; In-Motion Charging; urban transport; CO 2 emissions; Vilnius (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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