From 2031, the HGV charge commensurate with the (HVC), the Swiss truck tax introduced in 2015 2001 in Switzerland to finance infrastructure works and cover the external costs caused by road transport, will also be extended to the to electric trucks. This was announced today by the Federal Council Swiss Parliament announcing the launch of the consultation on this project and explaining that the extension of the tax to vehicles at electric propulsion aims to allow the tax, which In 2022, it generated revenue of around CHF 1.7 billion continue to cover the costs caused by heavy goods and heavy vehicle traffic, and continue to promote the transport of goods by rail. The executive also specified that, in order not to slow down modernisation of the truck fleet, measures are also planned promotion for those with electric propulsion.

In justifying the decision, the Federal Council explained that, due to technical developments, the TTPCP system has reached its limits given that currently 90% of trucks fall under the category of tax rates and, in addition, The use of electric vehicles powered by electric vehicles is on the rise. that are exempt from the HVC and in the next few years, decades this development could cause a shortage of revenue amounting to several billion francs. The Council recalled that it had reported this risk, which could jeopardize the objectives of the of the tax, already in the traffic transfer report of 2019, in which it highlighted the need to adapt and further develop the HVC.

The Council stated that the draft would provide for the subject electric trucks to the most expensive tax category cost-effective as they do not generate direct emissions of substances pollutants and cause lower external costs than high-pressure vehicles. fossil propulsion. At the same time, it is proposed to downgrade the Euro VI, the greenest fossil-powered trucks, assigning them to the second most cost-effective category.

In addition, the Federal Council is proposing two measures accompanying persons: with the first one there is a discount for new and already registered electric trucks; with the second, With the purchase of new electric trucks, hauliers based in Switzerland can choose whether to take advantage of the discount or of an investment contribution. Both measures will have a limited duration, from 2031 to 2035.

The consultation on the project will last until 23 May.