Switzerland is debating a reform of the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA). From 2027, rates are to be increased, and from 2029 electric and hydrogen-powered HGVs will also be included. Activists, however, criticise that diesel lorries are currently granted annual relief amounting to 300 million Swiss francs – at the expense of rail, the environment, and the country’s modal shift policy.
The LSVA has been the central instrument of Swiss transport policy for more than two decades. Now the National Council’s Transport and Telecommunications Committee (KVF-N) wants to raise tariffs from 2027. The justification is that the current impact is insufficient, and the shift of freight from road to rail has reached a turning point.
According to the committee, raising the levy to the maximum permitted level could generate an additional 68 million francs a year. These funds would mainly support the Rail Infrastructure Fund (BIF). The Federal Council is now expected to issue a statement before the matter goes before the National Council.
From 2029: LSVA to apply to electric HGVs
In parallel with the tariff increase, electrically and hydrogen-powered lorries will become subject to the LSVA from 2029 – two years earlier than originally planned. Transport Minister Albert Rösti said the current system had reached its limits: 90% of diesel HGVs fall into the cheapest toll category, while zero-emission vehicles have so far been completely exempt. As a result, revenues are declining and the toll’s intended effect on modal shift is being lost.
The new tariff system will take account of weight, distance travelled, and type of propulsion. To avoid discouraging investment in clean technologies, discounts for electric trucks are planned until 2035.
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Sharp criticism from Pro Alps
At the same time as the parliamentary debate, the environmental protection group Pro Alps voiced strong criticism. During an action in Bern’s Bundesplatz, activists denounced the fact that diesel HGVs in Switzerland pay 300 million francs too little each year.
“Road transport is far too cheap. Lorries are indirectly subsidised with 300 million francs in LSVA concessions every year – this sabotages the modal shift,” said Nara Valsangiacomo, president of Pro Alps. The organisation called for full use of the LSVA and “an end to gifts for diesel lorries”.
National Councillor David Roth (SP) also described the current situation as a “scandal”. He explained that two-thirds of LSVA revenues flow into the Rail Infrastructure Fund. A full application of the levy would provide an additional 200 million francs for rail expansion.
Emmanuel Ammos, a National Councillor from Valais, warned of the consequences of contradictory policy:
“The Federal Council wants to cut spending on climate protection and public transport, yet subsidises lorry transport by 300 million francs a year.” Parliament must correct this to prevent the failure of the modal shift policy, he argued.
Impact on international transport
Switzerland is a key transit country for freight traffic crossing the Alps between northern and southern Europe. Higher LSVA rates and the inclusion of electric lorries will therefore have direct cost implications for German and European hauliers.
On routes via the Gotthard or San Bernardino, the burden on international carriers could increase significantly. Switzerland’s aim, however, is to shift more freight to rail while accelerating the decarbonisation of lorry fleets.
Infobox – LSVA costs for a transit trip Basel–Chiasso
- Current average costs: CHF 280
- Maximum permitted rate: CHF 344
- Revenue shortfall according to Pro Alps: CHF 300 million per year
