On 2 October 2026, the Swiss Parliament gave final approval to the reform of the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA, RPLP in French), paid per kilometre by every truck over 3.5 t on Swiss roads, whether registered in Switzerland or abroad. Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks will get a reduced rate from 2029 to 2035: a 100% discount in 2029 and 2030, then at least 70% in 2031, 50% in 2032, 30% in 2033, 20% in 2034 and 10% in 2035. The law is subject to an optional referendum, and the Federal Council will set its entry into force.
What it means for your routes
- Until the end of 2030, an electric truck crosses Switzerland without paying the LSVA. On a route to Italy through the Gotthard or the Simplon, a diesel truck pays for every Swiss kilometre and an electric one does not: include that gap when you cost an electric tractor assigned to these lanes.
- From 2031, the advantage shrinks every year. The percentages in the law are minimums, and the Federal Council sets each discount at least twelve months ahead. A truck bought in 2027 will pay a growing share of the charge over its depreciation period.
- Euro VI trucks are likely to pay more. The Federal Council plans to move them from the cheapest charge category to the second cheapest. The law sets no date, and the seven-year notice for any category change only applies from 1 January 2030: allow for an increase in your medium-term transit prices.
- Euro VII trucks may get a discount of up to 15%, if the Federal Council so decides.
- Keep proof of the category on board. A foreign truck is classified when it enters Switzerland; without proof, it is placed in the category with the highest rate.
- Compare routes with the charge included. It depends on total weight, kilometres driven in Switzerland and emission class: a detour that avoids Switzerland only makes sense if it is cheaper once these three factors are costed. The electric truck guide covers the other planning constraints.