In Switzerland, electric trucks will lose one of their main advantages

Until now completely exempt from heavy vehicle fees, electric trucks will have to pay them in Switzerland starting in 2031. The Parliament has now finally approved the reform, with a gradual reduction to ease the transition until 2036.

This was one of the strongest arguments for switching to electric trucks in Switzerland. It now has an expiration date. On October 2, the National Council and the Council of States approved the revision to the heavy vehicle fee law in a final vote.

A tax based on distance traveled

Not to be confused with the highway vignette, the RPLP (short for toll on heavy vehicle traffic related to services) is a distinct mechanism applied across the entire Swiss road network, including secondary roads. It applies to freight vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. The amount charged depends notably on the distance traveled, the total allowable weight, and the vehicle’s emission class.

Until now, battery and hydrogen trucks were completely exempt from this fee. This will remain the case until the end of 2030. Starting in 2031, they will also be included in the system.

Also read

Eco-score, subsidies, charging, taxation… what the 2027 PLF could change for electric vehicles

A gradual disappearance

The Swiss authorities are not implementing full-price rates for electric heavy vehicles overnight. A 70% discount is planned for 2031, the first year when full exemption will end. This discount will then decrease annually until it is completely removed by 2036.

This long-term approach is almost dreamlike on the other side of the Jura, where every budget bill raises fears of a sudden change in vehicle taxation. Switzerland, on the other hand, sets its trajectory nearly ten years in advance. This reassures logistics professionals, giving them time to smoothly transition to electric vehicles.

Year

Discount on RPLP

Until end of 2030

Total exemption

2031

70%

2032

50%

2033

30%

2034

20%

2035

10%

Starting in 2036

None (full price)

Diesel Euro 6 trucks are also affected

The reform affects more than electric vehicles. Euro 6 trucks, the most common on Swiss roads, will move from the lowest price category to the next one. Future Euro 7 models will also fall into this category, but with discounts until 2035 to distinguish them from Euro 6 trucks. The details of these prices remain to be determined.

Steps to be taken before implementation

The text isn’t yet fully set in stone. The Federal Council must adjust the implementation ordinance, particularly by establishing exact fees and classifications for different vehicles. For transporters, the advantages of electric trucks remain intact. Their energy usage costs stay lower, and the upgrade to Euro 6 standards will widen the gap with diesel vehicles. However, the full exemption, which played a significant role in profitability calculations, now has an expiration date.