Czech City Revives Pioneering Trolleybus with Unique Diesel-Generator Hybrid Restoration
Hradec Králové, a city in the Czech Republic, is undertaking a remarkable restoration project: a complete overhaul of a Škoda 14 Tr trolleybus dating back to 1984. The project, valued at 10.6 million Czech crowns (approximately $430,000 USD as of February 12, 2026), isn’t simply a nostalgic endeavor. it represents a unique chapter in the evolution of electric public transport and a clever solution to urban planning challenges.
The restoration contract was awarded to Zliner, with support from the Brno Transport Company. According to a statement from Zdeněk Abraham, Chairman of the Board of DPMHK (Hradec Králové Transport Company), the goal is to have the trolleybus operational by the end of May 2028, coinciding with the city’s centennial celebration of public transport. This timeline is formally outlined in the contract between DPMHK and Zliner.
What sets this particular trolleybus apart is its ability to operate outside of the traditional trolley wire network. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hradec Králové faced a common problem: extending its trolleybus lines to the Kluky district. Building a kilometer of new overhead lines proved too expensive. Instead, engineers devised an unconventional workaround – a diesel-powered range extender.
The solution involved attaching a trailer, affectionately nicknamed “Bernajs” after Jaroslav Bernášek, the former head of trolleybus operations at Hradec Králové. This trailer wasn’t a modern battery pack; it was a repurposed military field kitchen housing a Zetor tractor engine-powered diesel generator. When the trolleybus reached the end of the wired section of the route, the driver would disengage the trolley pole, start the generator, and continue the journey powered by the on-board diesel electricity source. This effectively created the first “partial trolleybus” in the Czech Republic.
The ingenuity of this system lies in its low-tech approach to extending the range of electric transport. While today’s electric buses rely on sophisticated battery technology, the Hradec Králové solution demonstrated a resourceful way to overcome infrastructure limitations. It was a pragmatic response to a specific urban challenge, leveraging existing resources and a creative engineering mindset.
The Škoda 14 Tr itself is a significant vehicle in the history of Czech trolleybuses. The decision to restore it reflects a growing appreciation for the engineering achievements of the past and a desire to preserve a unique piece of transportation history. The restoration isn’t just about bringing a vehicle back to life; it’s about recognizing the innovative spirit that drove its original design.
The project highlights a fascinating intersection of historical preservation and forward-thinking transport solutions. While modern electric buses are increasingly common, the “Bernajs” trailer represents a unique precursor to the range-extended electric vehicles we see today. It’s a reminder that innovation often arises from necessity and that even seemingly simple solutions can have a lasting impact.
The restoration work will be carried out by Zliner, with some components handled by the Brno Transport Company. The project’s success will not only provide Hradec Králové with a restored piece of its transportation heritage but also serve as a tangible link to the city’s past as it looks towards a future of sustainable urban mobility. The restored trolleybus will be a working exhibit, demonstrating a unique solution to a common problem and showcasing the ingenuity of Czech engineers.
The trolleybus’s legacy as the first partial trolleybus in the Czech Republic underscores its importance in the evolution of public transport. While trolleybus systems have seen varying levels of adoption globally – with around 300 cities operating them as of 2012, according to Wikipedia – the Hradec Králové example demonstrates a particularly inventive approach to overcoming infrastructure limitations. The project serves as a reminder that even in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, resourceful engineering and adaptation can play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.
