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The problem is not the torque, it’s energy consumption while climbing a hill. Notes on observed increased energy consumption while on hills during Hong Kong trials: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201812/12/P2018121200670...

Trolleybuses are great for hills because they are constantly drawing power from the grid. It’s why Seattle has committed to trolleybus expansion for its hilly network.

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Regenerative braking is very straightforward, making hills a great place to use electric. A nice additional benefit of regenerative braking is stop-and-go driving, like buses do, is hell on brakes and efficiency. Regen allows improved efficiency while saving the brakes. And incidentally, my ears - buses and trucks with worn out brakes make terrible screeching noises which IMHO are among the most unpleasant components of city noise. Regen braking saves the brakes and mostly eliminates this problem.

Regen braking isn’t 100% efficient, and if your route is going uphill a long time one way and then downhill all the way back it’s less helpful.

Regenerative braking could help recover a big part of the energy spent to climb the hill up.

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