Looking back: As reported in January, Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (Zurich Transport Services, VBZ) could have reordered new electric buses from Hess and MAN without a tender, as options from previous purchases were still available. However, VBZ was dissatisfied with both suppliers. The e-buses from MAN and Hess encountered issues, including problems with heating, ventilation, and doors, as well as delivery delays.
Now, other manufacturers are stepping in, marking the first time a Chinese bus manufacturer has been selected: Zurich’s City Council has approved around 17 million Swiss francs to procure 20 new battery-electric buses to meet the city’s vehicle requirements from mid-2027 onwards. The order includes eight standard buses from Yutong and twelve articulated buses from Daimler Buses.
In addition to the main order, there are options to expand the fleet with further battery-electric buses from one of these suppliers at a later date.
stadt-zuerich.ch (in German)
BackgroundCommercial Vehicles
