Switzerland Doubles Funding for Commercial Truck Chargers as Demand Surges

Switzerland has moved to expand its electric truck charging subsidy programme after applications far outpaced the original budget, with the Federal Office of Energy (BFE) approving a doubling of the “in charge” sector programme. The initial allocation of 20 million Swiss francs (roughly 21.5 million euros) has been matched by an additional 20 million francs from the Climate Protection Act (KlG), bringing the total pool to nearly 40 million francs, or about 43 million euros. The programme is administered by the commercial vehicle association ASTAG, working alongside EBP Schweiz.

The funding is reserved for small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 250 employees. Eligible businesses can receive support covering up to 40% of the costs tied to planning, grid connections, supply lines and charging hardware. ASTAG handles the full administrative chain, from approving funding to monitoring progress and communicating results.

Demand has been intense. Between the start of the year and early October, 224 applications were submitted, with 135 already approved. That has consumed close to 19 million francs of the original budget, which ASTAG describes as “nearly exhausted.” The approved projects are expected to support the deployment of around 687 electric trucks and deliver an annual CO₂ reduction of roughly 52,088 tonnes. ASTAG originally set out to replace about 600 diesel trucks, add some 60 megawatts of charging capacity and save approximately 14 million litres of diesel each year — and says those targets are already being met or exceeded.

One factor driving the rush is Switzerland’s toll exemption for electric trucks, which remains in place until 2031. Given the country’s high toll rates, that break carries real weight for logistics operators. However, it was recently confirmed that electric trucks will become toll-liable after 2031, which may be pushing companies to invest while the advantage still exists. The upfront cost of electric trucks remains substantial, and the programme is specifically designed to help smaller firms manage that burden.

Switzerland currently leads Europe in electric truck registrations. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26% of new heavy truck registrations (over 16 tonnes gross vehicle weight) in the first half of the year — meaning one in four new heavy trucks was electric. Thierry Burkart, Councillor of States and Central President of ASTAG, framed the additional funding as a signal of investment security: “The high demand shows that our industry is ready to invest in climate-friendly technologies.” ASTAG notes that the programme is delivering on its goals, with the transformation of road transport presenting companies with major technical, organisational and financial challenges that practical support instruments can help address.