Mobility in Switzerland is changing: in 2024, over 143,000 vehicles (source: Federal Statistical Office (FSO), number of motor vehicles by propulsion type, as at the end of 2024) with alternative propulsion systems were newly registered. This means that almost one in five cars is now electric or hybrid. An important driver of this development is the increasing cost-effectiveness of electric cars. Price differences when compared with conventional vehicles with combustion engines are shrinking, while operating costs are falling noticeably.
Thanks to a clean electricity mix, short driving distances, and a steadily growing charging infrastructure, Switzerland offers ideal conditions for the switch to electromobility.
| Criterion |
Electric car / plug-in hybrid | Internal combustion engine (gasoline/diesel) |
| Carbon footprint |
No direct CO2 emissions while driving |
CO2 emissions while driving |
| Environmental footprint |
Progress in battery production and recycling |
Less complex production, but operation generates exhaust fumes |
| Noise |
Quieter, fewer vibrations |
Loud engine and more vibrations |
| Flexibilität | Over 9,000 public charging points, charging station at home |
Gas stations available nationwide |
| Range |
250–500 km (PHEV up to 1,000 km) |
High, depending on model |
| Cost | Higher purchase price, but lower operating costs and eco-bonus with Zurich |
Tends to be cheaper to purchase |
For everyday life in Switzerland – with comparatively short driving distances, clean electricity and a good charging infrastructure – the electric car is a climate-friendly and future-proof alternative for many people today. Combustion engines still score points for long distances and maximum flexibility, but the advantages of electromobility are constantly growing.
Your mobility behavior is crucial
Those who commute daily have different requirements in terms of range and charging time than those who mainly drive short distances. Charging behavior also plays a role: do you have access to your own charging station, or are you reliant on public charging points?
You should consider these aspects when making your decision:
Good to know: Most modern electric cars now have ranges of between 250 km and 500 km. Plug-in hybrids combine electric and conventional propulsion systems and, as a result, can also cover longer distances.
Why electric and hybrid cars are attractive for Swiss commuters
Conclusion: electric and hybrid cars offer numerous advantages for Swiss commuters. They are quiet, cost-efficient, climate-friendly, and offer attractive tax and insurance benefits.
Proper battery care
A healthy charging range is ideally between 20% and 80%. If you pay attention to this, you can extend the service life of your battery significantly. Frequent fast charging, on the other hand, should be avoided as it puts more strain on the battery.
You can find further information in the e-car battery guide
Efficient driving
With just a few adjustments to your driving behavior, you can get more out of every charge:
Detailed tips on this can be found in the recuperation guide for electric cars
Charging at home and on the go
The most convenient way to charge your electric car is at home using your own charging station – usually cheaper than on the road. However, charging via the household socket should only be carried out after consultation with a qualified electrician. A dense network of public charging stations is available in Switzerland – many of which you can easily find using the Z Volt app.
You can find more information in the guide: Charging an electric vehicle – costs and savings tips
Take advantage of subsidies and savings opportunities
Depending on your canton of residence, you can benefit from state subsidy programs when buying an electric car or installing a charging station. Motor vehicle tax is also cheaper for e-vehicles in many cantons. With Zurich, you also benefit from attractive insurance offers: with the eco-bonus, you receive a reduction of up to 20 percent on your premium for your environmentally friendly vehicle, based on the type of propulsion system.
Overview of all funding programs in Switzerland: Energiefranken.ch
Optimally insured for the mobility of tomorrow: with special additional cover such as E-Mobility Protect, Zurich offers tailor-made protection for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
With the Z Volt app, you can find over 3,700 partner charging stations in Switzerland and Europe. Charge at a single price, without a subscription or basic fee – directly via your smartphone.
Even if you don't own a car, with Zurich, you can take out optimum cover when car sharing or driving other people's vehicles – flexibly and reliably.
Whether for the commute to and from work or in your free time: with Zurich, your e-bike is comprehensively covered – this includes protection against theft, accidents and damage to the battery.
Are you thinking of buying an electric car or a plug-in hybrid? Our answers to frequently asked questions will help you make the right decision.
To answer this question, you need to look at the entire life cycle of the vehicles: The production and recycling of batteries have a negative impact on the environmental footprint of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. However, new technologies and the secondary use of batteries – for example as stationary electricity storage units – mean this burden can certainly be reduced in the future. On the road, meanwhile, electric cars score points with significantly lower CO₂ emissions and greater efficiency. According to the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, electric vehicles offer a mechanism for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if they are powered by low-emission electricity. In Switzerland in particular, where a large proportion of electricity comes from renewable energies, electric cars are significantly more environmentally friendly to drive than gasoline or diesel vehicles. Studies estimate that the higher greenhouse gas emissions from production are offset after around 50,000 kilometers. But even electric cars are not completely emission-free: They also contribute to particulate emissions through brake and tire wear.
The future belongs to electromobility. These days, already nearly one in five new cars registered in Switzerland is an electric vehicle. Thanks to more sophisticated technologies, greater ranges and a dense network of charging stations, more and more fully electric vehicles are on our roads.
Manufacturers are constantly developing their models further. They are working worldwide on the next generation of drive technology, on more efficient and environmentally friendly batteries and coolants.
At the same time, the charging infrastructure needs to be expanded further. A particular focus here is on the implementation of bidirectional applications that enable electric vehicles not only to store energy, but also to feed it back into the grid.
Electromobility is also increasingly affecting the logistics sector, with plans for special truck charging networks and an increasing selection of fully electric vehicles of various makes and types.
Yes, you are spoiled for choice: Depending on the manufacturer, you can choose between purely electric cars and hybrid vehicles. Which model is right for you depends on how you want to use the vehicle in everyday life. Many dealers offer free test drives. Make use of this option to compare the different vehicle types before you decide.
Battery electric vehicles are powered exclusively by one or more electric batteries and charged at a charging station. Selected car models: Tesla Model 3, Mercedes Benz EQS, Volvo EX30.
Mild hybrid electric vehicles only use the electric motor to support the combustion engine in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Selected car models: Mercedes-Benz A Class, VW Golf eTSi MHEV, Volvo XC90
Electric cars not only protect the environment, but also your wallet:
No, over their entire service life, electric cars or plug-in hybrids can actually be cheaper than conventional vehicles. More and more affordable models are also coming onto the European market. When driving, you benefit from lower running costs if you charge your e-vehicle at home. You can also expect lower maintenance costs.
There is no funding program for electromobility at national level. However, some cantons promote e-mobility with reductions in motor vehicle tax or subsidies for purchases. Swiss eMobility has illustrated the subsidies for electromobility in a map.
Regardless of where you live: With an electric car, there is of course no mineral oil tax, which is incurred when you fill up with gasoline or diesel.
It's not easy to keep track of costs in the labyrinth of charging stations. Prices vary depending on location, time of day, pricing model and charging capacity. Ask the respective charging station in advance about the exact costs. The cheapest way to charge your car is at home.
With Zurich Z Volt App you can easily charge your electric or plug-in vehicle without a subscription or basic fee and at over 3,000 charging stations of our Z Volt partners, and there's even a standard price.
A small calculation example for a 70 kWh battery: On average, you charge from 20% to 80%, i.e., 60% of 70 kWh. Charging 42 kWh at a price of CHF 0.64 / kWh results in a total price of just under CHF 27.00.
The range depends in particular on the battery size, the vehicle design, your driving behavior and the road conditions.
You can use these average values as a guide when comparing vehicles:
The following tips and tricks will help you to increase the range of your electric car or hybrid:
Find the best route. Use your navigation device to avoid traffic jams and detours.
Charging at a home charging station is more convenient and usually cheaper than at public charging stations.
An investment that pays off: A very good charging station with an output of 11 kW is usually available for around CHF 2,000, plus the cost of installation.
In the case of condominiums and rentals, the consent of the condominium owners’ association or landlord is required before a charging station can be installed.
Switzerland has a dense network of charging stations with different charging speeds. Depending on requirements, the car can be charged quickly or slowly. Some stations have a charging cable on site, while others require you to provide your own. Be sure to check the costs of the charging station before charging, however, as these can vary greatly. Thanks to Z Volt, you not only drive directly to the nearest charging station, but also benefit from attractive standard prices at the 3,000 charging stations of Zurich's partners. No subscription, no basic fee. Simply drive to the nearest charging station, start the app and charge.
The charging time depends on the capacity and condition of the battery, the current charge level, and the charging power and speed of the station.
With an electric car:
With a plug-in hybrid vehicle:
Note that many electric cars reduce or block the charging rate when they reach a higher charge level to protect battery health. Charging from 80% to 100% can therefore take longer than from 60% to 80%.
More informations: Handling Electric Car Batteries: Tips for Longer Lifespan
