Tampere moves to ban Chinese buses in major electric fleet purchase

The city of Tampere is accelerating plans to exclude buses from non-EU and non-EFTAs countries in its upcoming purchase of 25 new “superbuses,” following a decision by the city’s corporate committee on Wednesday, Yle reports.

Under the new policy, only manufacturers from the European Economic Area—or countries with an EU trade agreement—will be considered for the 2028 fleet renewal. The move effectively blocks bids from Chinese suppliers, which currently dominate Tampere’s electric bus fleet.

“The city must prepare for an estimated 2–3 percent increase in operating costs if not all bids can be accepted,” said committee chair Matti Helimo (National Coalition Party) in a statement. The financial impact will take effect in 2028, when the superbuses enter service.

Tampere’s mayor, Ilmari Nurminen (Social Democrats), had previously called for restricting bus procurements to European operators, citing supply security concerns. The city-owned Tampere Public Transport Ltd. (Nysse) will implement the decision, which applies only to this year’s superbus tender; future fleet purchases will be evaluated separately.

The shift aligns with a proposed EU law aimed at bolstering European industrial production, which could lead to a broader ban on Chinese electric buses across the bloc. Tampere’s current electric buses are predominantly non-EU/EFTA models, a pattern seen nationwide.

With 25 superbuses set to join the existing 100-vehicle fleet, the purchase represents a significant investment. City officials acknowledge that limiting bidders may reduce competition and raise prices but emphasize strategic priorities over cost.

“This is progressing quickly because the superbus procurement is timely,” said Juha Yli-Rajala, Tampere’s corporate director.