HESS stands for innovative electromobility in public transport. The pioneering bus manufacturing company from Bellach develops and produces exclusively electric buses and is thus firmly committed to sustainable, forward-looking solutions. Transport operators in Switzerland, Europe and across the world place their trust in high-performance electric buses from HESS.
Innovation and in-house research and development form the foundation. With the CO BOLT® modular system HESS produces bespoke vehicles which are precisely tailored to routes and passenger numbers. As a full-service systems provider, HESS provide holistic solutions from a single source, including modern charging systems for efficient and cost-effective operation.
One stand-out vehicle is the lighTram®, an all-electric, high-performance bus for cities and conurbations with high passenger capacity. It combines maximum capacity with efficient sustainable mobility, setting new standards in urban transport.
HESS provides comprehensive repair and maintenance services for all types of vehicles. In Switzerland our offer covers the complete spectrum from individual customer requirements right through to managing large fleets. In Europe, the main focus is on life cycle management (LCM) for HESS buses. From bodywork and paintwork to mechanical and mechatronic repairs HESS guarantees reliable operation throughout the entire vehicle life cycle.
In the parts trade, HESS ensures an efficient supply with high-quality replacement parts. In particular, these include original parts for HESS buses, Exqui. City and Kiepe trolley systems. This service is aimed at customers worldwide and ensures fast and reliable availability.
In the commercial vehicle sector, HESS concentrates primarily on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. The focus is on individual vehicle superstructures and conversions. as well as bespoke solutions for a variety of applications. This service is aimed exclusively at the Swiss market.
HESS has stood for passion in vehicle construction since 1882. What started in the wheelwright’s and blacksmith’s workshop of Heinrich Hess, has developed in over five generations of family ownership to become an international industrial and technology company. The conversion to a public limited company in 1948 laid the foundations for the success story we see today.
Today HESS employs over 1,300 people at more than 25 sites in 9 countries, including about 60 apprentices across 17 different trades, and combines many years of experience with state-of-the-art technology. Together with its international licence partners, each year HESS produces over 2,500 buses which are reliably in use around the world.
BTW did you know that? …
… Up to 17 kilometres of cable are laid in a single bus.
… A bus consists of over 7,000 separate parts and components.
... In the lighTram® there are about 40 different software systems in use, which work together as a network and enable the control and monitoring of vehicle functions.
… HESS is the global market leader in bi‑articulated trolley buses (lighTram® 25 DC).
... The HESS CO‑BOLT® modular system is in use in six continents.
... The HESS jointly developed COBUS is in use in most international airports.
... In the history of the company, up until the 1920s HESS produced car bodies as well as commercial vehicles.