Switzerland is accelerating its efforts for emission-free operations on farms and construction sites. The KliK Foundation provides a subsidy for every electrically powered farm loader and for selected e-construction vehicles, which partially or even almost completely offsets the additional investment costs compared to a diesel equivalent. Those planning now benefit twice: affordable acquisition and significantly reduced operating costs over 10 to 15 years of use.
This article shows how the program works, what realistic amounts are, what farmers and construction companies specifically need to do to receive the funding, and how the subsidies can be optimally used with MONA products.
Why does Switzerland promote electric farm loaders and electric construction machinery?
On behalf of Swiss mineral oil companies, the KliK Foundation fulfills their legal obligation to compensate for a portion of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels. A particularly effective lever is the replacement of diesel-powered work machines with battery-electric variants. Every electric farm loader, every electric excavator, and every electric wheel loader saves several tons of CO₂ over its service life; KliK remunerates precisely this saving at a clearly calculable amount.
The funding is therefore not a short-term flash in the pan, but a long-term instrument with a legal basis that runs until the end of 2030.
Overview of KliK Funding
For agricultural businesses, the E-Farm Loader Program is the central instrument. It supports the acquisition of battery-electric farm loaders and consists of two components:
1. One-time investment contribution Upon purchase, the expected CO₂ savings for the first five years of operation are pre-financed. The contribution depends on the machine's motor power and operating weight. KliK pays a flat rate of CHF 200 per reduced ton of CO₂.
2. Annual operating contribution After the first five years, an ongoing contribution follows as long as the machine is in use. It is also calculated at CHF 200 per actually saved ton of CO₂.
The amount of the contribution in individual cases depends on the machine. As a guide: For an electric farm loader with around 20 kW of power and two tons of operating weight, the one-time investment contribution is approximately CHF 7,000, of which typically CHF 5,000 is pre-financed. For larger machines, the subsidy amount increases proportionally.
Depending on the model, the total funding covers up to 85% of the additional investment costs compared to a comparable diesel farm loader, a leverage that completely shifts the economic calculation for many businesses.
Important: Follow the order, otherwise the funding will be forfeited
One rule that all interested parties should know: Registration with KliK must ABSOLUTELY take place before signing the purchase agreement.
Anyone who orders the farm loader first and then applies for funding will receive nothing. However, the process is straightforward:
- Select machine, e.g., a suitable MONA farm loader.
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Online registration via the KliK portal at
hoflader.klik.ch. - Sign and submit legally valid registration form.
- Sign purchase agreement, obtain farm loader, put into operation.
- Submit proof, receive subsidy payment.
A digital contribution calculator (hoflader.klik.ch/beitragsrechner) shows in advance what amount can be expected, which greatly facilitates the investment decision.
E-Construction Vehicles: The Second Funding Program
Parallel to the E-Farm Loader Program, there is the E-Construction Vehicle Program. It promotes the use of:
- electric excavators (battery or cable operated)
- battery-electric loaders and farm loaders in commercial construction operations
- battery-electric dumpers up to 40 tons
Here too, the funding rate is CHF 200 per reduced ton of CO₂, and the logic also applies here: investment contribution plus operating contribution, combined with a term until 2030.
The registration deadline for the E-Construction Vehicle Program was recently adjusted. Anyone wishing to invest in this segment should therefore contact the KliK Foundation or MONA Motors directly to check the current status and possible follow-up programs. The direction is clear: Switzerland has already launched three pilot e-construction sites in Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne, meaning electric construction machinery is no longer a niche, but a growing standard.
Which MONA machine suits which business?
MONA Motors offers four battery-electric farm loader series, all of which are qualified for the KliK funding program. The selection depends on the business size and work profile:
MONA Lunar, compact entry-level loader for small farms, horse stables, and commercial use. Agile, quiet, ideal for narrow stable aisles and indoor work. Width can be configured to less than 1 meter, making it particularly maneuverable.
MONA Terra, the all-rounder for the typical Swiss family farm. Reliably lifts silage bales, manure containers, and feed mixers. 22 kWh LiFePO4 battery for a full workday, easy recharging via wallbox with 11 kW.
MONA Solara, the professional loader for larger dairy farms, suckler cow husbandry, and demanding commercial applications. Up to 1.5 tons lifting capacity, longer operating times, professional attachment ecosystem with EURO-attachment.
MONA Nova, the telescopic loader with 6 meters lifting height for large farms, biogas plants, and recycling centers. Silo heights and loading cycles that were previously reserved for diesel wheel loaders are now electric and practically maintenance-free.
The higher the power and operating weight, the higher generally the KliK funding contribution, because the saved diesel quantity is greater.
Intelligently combine funding
KliK funding can be combined with other instruments in Switzerland, further increasing the leverage:
- Cantonal funding programs for charging infrastructure (e.g., Canton Zurich) for wallboxes and load management.
- Pronovo / One-off payments for photovoltaic systems, the solar power that will later drive the farm loader.
- AgroCleanTech consulting as an energy consulting agency for Swiss agriculture for overall technical planning.
- Tax depreciation of the investment over the usual useful life.
Only in this combination does an eligible individual machine become an energetically and economically optimized system. This is precisely where MONA Motors and partners provide support with overall planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the funding also apply to rental machines? The E-Construction Vehicle Program explicitly supports the rental of battery-electric construction machinery by dealers and contractors. For e-farm loaders, purchase is primarily supported.
How long does the program run? The KliK contracts have a term until the end of 2030. Those who invest today secure the investment and annual operating contribution in the long term.
Does the company have to submit the application itself? Yes, the operator or owner of the machine is the applicant. However, MONA Motors and sales partners actively assist with compiling documents and submitting the application.
What counts as proof of CO₂ savings? After commissioning, actual use is documented, e.g., through operating hours and charged energy quantity. The annual operating contribution is paid out on this basis.
Can I combine the subsidy with PV funding? Yes. The KliK contribution relates exclusively to the machine, not to electricity generation. PV funding (e.g., one-off payment) runs independently of this.
Take the next step now
The combination of KliK funding, inexpensive self-generated electricity, and robust electrical technology makes the entry into electric work machines particularly economical right now. Those who submit their application in time secure contributions in four- to five-digit amounts and simultaneously reduce ongoing fuel and maintenance costs for an entire decade.
MONA Motors accompanies you from machine selection and KliK application to PV and storage system design. Arrange a non-binding consultation now and let us calculate which farm loader suits your business and what level of funding you can specifically expect.
Note: The stated subsidy amounts are indicative values based on the publicly communicated terms and conditions of the KliK Foundation. The specific contribution depends on machine specifications, operating profile, and program conditions at the time of application. The information provided by KliK at klik.ch or hoflader.klik.ch is authoritative.