Zurich’s public transport operator, Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ), is preparing to buy a new fleet of electric buses through a fresh competitive tender worth around €150 million. This comes after technical and delivery problems with its existing bus suppliers.
The new tender, officially listed as VBZ No. 3947, was confirmed in late January 2026. Bids must be submitted by March 17, 2026.
VBZ already had framework contracts with MAN Truck & Bus and Swiss manufacturer HESS, which would normally allow the authority to order more buses without starting a new process. However, VBZ decided to restart the procurement instead of extending those contracts.
The main reason: ongoing operational issues with electric buses supplied by both companies.
Problems with current buses
According to Swiss media reports and VBZ statements:
- HESS deliveries have been delayed by several months
- Buses in service have faced repeated problems with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
- MAN electric buses have also had issues related to doors and thermal systems
VBZ said it gave both suppliers time to fix the problems, but the improvements did not lead to long-term reliability.
How manufacturers responded
Both companies have described the challenges as part of the wider transition to electric vehicles.
- HESS acknowledged that modern electric buses are highly complex, relying on software, power electronics, thermal management, and charging systems, and said further improvements are in progress.
- MAN Truck & Bus did not comment directly on the Zurich decision but reaffirmed its long-term electric strategy under its “MAN2030+” program, stressing its commitment to a broad electric product range.
What happens next?
By launching a completely new tender, VBZ has opened the door to new international suppliers. Industry experts expect strong interest from global electric bus makers, especially Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Yutong.
BYD, in particular, has already secured large electric bus orders in countries like Norway and Belgium and is positioning itself as a proven and reliable supplier with thousands of buses already in daily operation.
A major shift for Zurich
The new order will replace aging diesel buses across Zurich’s city network and is expected to be the largest municipal electric bus tender in Switzerland this year, marking a key step in the city’s move toward cleaner public transport
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