Zurich transit operator prepares fresh €150 million electric bus tender after supplier setbacks - CleanTechnica

Zurich’s public transport authority, Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ), has launched a major new tender valued at approximately €150 million for battery-electric buses to replace aging diesel vehicles in its urban fleet. This fresh procurement, officially announced in January 2026 with bids due by March 17, marks a departure from relying on existing framework agreements with Swiss manufacturer HESS and MAN Truck & Bus. The decision to reset the process follows ongoing operational issues with current electric buses, including delays in deliveries and recurring faults in heating, ventilation, and climate control systems, which VBZ concluded had not been adequately resolved despite efforts by the suppliers. Both HESS and MAN have acknowledged the challenges inherent in transitioning to advanced electric bus technology, emphasizing ongoing optimization and long-term strategic commitments. By opening the tender to a broader field of competitors, VBZ is expected to attract global manufacturers, notably Chinese companies such as BYD and Yutong, which have been expanding their presence in European markets with buses emphasizing reliability