Support Programme for Electric and Hybrid Trolleybuses in Switzerland

Swiss PostAuto electric bus on a rural road, surrounded by green fields and clear skies – promoting zero-emission transport.

Project type: Energy Efficiency , Transport

Project location: Switzerland

Project status: In operation, exclusive

Annual emission reduction of the whole project: ca. > 20,000 t (till 2030)

The FOEN-certified climate protection programme promotes the use of alternative drive technologies on Swiss roads. Replacing conventional diesel buses with electric and hybrid trolleybuses cuts down on fossil fuels and thus avoids CO₂ emissions.

The VBL bus on route 10 travels up the Obergütsch. When travelling downhill, the electric motor recovers energy that would otherwise be converted into heat during braking. Photo: VBL

The VBSH e-bus with fast-charging system draws its energy from a battery installed on the roof, which is charged very quickly both in the depot and at individual stops. Photo: Christoph Wahrenberger

Regionalen Verkehrsbetriebe Baden-Wettingen (RVBW) was the first public transport company to take part in the funding programme with its hybrid fleet in 2014. Photo: RVBW

In 2024, Postauto will be the company with the most e-buses in its programme. Otherwise, the electrification of public transport is gaining ground, especially in the cities. Photo: Postauto

Stadtbus Winterthur has put new hybrid trolleybuses into operation from December 2024. This type of bus travels part of the route under overhead lines, which charge the battery, and part in battery mode. This means that less frequented routes can be travelled electrically where it would not be profitable to expand the overhead line infrastructure. Photo: Stadtbus Winterthur

The number of electric buses, hybrid buses and hybrid trolley buses on Swiss roads remains small. Conventional diesel buses are still the first choice for new acquisitions. Key reasons for this are the high investment costs and the lack of experience with alternative technologies.

The climate protection programme encourages the purchase of electric and hybrid buses. As a FOEN-registered programme, reduction certificates issued by the FOEN can be purchased for reductions in CO₂ emissions generated by the electric and hybrid trolleybuses. There is also a subsidy program for hydrogen buses by our partner organization KliK. The proceeds from the sale of the certificates enable bus operators to plan their capital outlays more profitably in the medium term. The support programme runs at least until mid of 2026, with an expected extension until 2030.

Where does the funding come from?

This climate protection programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the KliK Foundation. Go to our Info page to learn how the funding mechanism works for mandatory contributions to climate protection.

Interested?

Use our contribution calculator to calculate the individual subsidy contribution for your company. The programme is open to both public transport operators as well as private bus companies throughout Switzerland. The Federal Office of Transport has been subsidising electric bus drives since 2025. If you benefit from this funding, it may still be possible to participate in our funding programme. We will be happy to provide information on this in writing or by telephone.

Contact

Foundation myclimate, phone +41 44 578 78 50

Did you know...?

Thanks to the participation in the support programme for electric and hybrid buses...

your bus company receives a subsidy of up to CHF 140,000 for the purchase of an electric bus over 7 years
an electric bus reduces CO₂-emissions by up to 90 tons per year compared to a conventional diesel bus.
By operating electric and hybrid buses, a company contributes to increasing public awareness of alternative drive technologies and distinguishes itself as an environmentally conscious company.

This project contributes to 2 SDGs*

*as at the end of 2024. Find out how myclimate reports these SDGs in our FAQ.

The programme contributes to sustainable urban development with 235 additional buses using renewable technologies and helps prevent air and noise pollution.