The VBZ electric bus tender in Zurich is set to open this month for up to 100 vehicles, a CHF 140 million package with options that could lift it toward CHF 300 million. Reliability issues with existing fleets are pushing an open competition that may include Chinese makers such as BYD. For Swiss investors, this Zurich e-bus order could shape a multi-year pipeline across the region.
VBZ plans to order up to 100 battery-electric buses this month for about CHF 140 million, with optional trolleybuses that could push the package toward CHF 300 million. The scale offers fleet standardization, charging integration, and long-term service contracts. For suppliers, Zurich provides high exposure, cold-weather validation, and a reference customer in Switzerland that can influence other cities’ electrification roadmaps.
Recent reliability and availability concerns around current fleets triggered the open tender. Local reports suggest VBZ is widening competition beyond incumbent brands, potentially opening the door to Chinese bidders, including BYD.