Electric mobility in Switzerland is reaching new milestones and marking remarkable progress.
In May, the total number of electric cars registered reached 183,262 units currently on the roads, according to the Swiss eMobility association.
This significant increase reflects not only a growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by consumers but also a heightened awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Indeed, of the total, 3,524 registrations correspond to May 2024, increasing by 14.27 percent compared to the previous month.
Among the most in-demand zero-emission cars in the land of the Alps, the Tesla Model Y stands out, with a considerable total of 3,248 units sold, consolidating itself as the undisputed market leader.
Following closely are the Skoda Enyaq, with 1,193 units registered, and the Volvo EX30, with 1,178 registrations.
Similarly, the Tesla Model 3 continues to be a popular choice among Swiss drivers, with 772 units sold in the analyzed period.
Finally, the Audi Q4 completes the list of the five most purchased models, with a total of 770 units registered.
So, what is driving the continuous growth of sustainable mobility?
Switzerland deploys 18.114 charging points
Firstly, a crucial factor that could tip the balance in favour of electric mobility in the Helvetic Confederation is the constantly increasing number of chargers installed across the country.
The expansion of the charging infrastructure is essential to alleviate drivers' concerns about the range of electric vehicles and to ensure that they can undertake long journeys without inconveniences.
At the end of May, 13,531 public charging stations were reported, a total number of devices that has been steadily increasing since 2021.
This continuous growth is a testament to the joint effort between the government, private companies, and Swiss citizens to promote a robust and accessible charging infrastructure.
The availability of such a significant number of public hubs eliminates one of the main barriers to EV adoption, allowing drivers to recharge their vehicles with ease and convenience anywhere in the country.
Additionally, Switzerland currently has 2,944 direct current (DC) charging points, which are crucial for rapid and efficient recharging, especially on long-distance routes and in high-density urban areas.
These fast-charging points enable drivers to recharge a substantial portion of the battery in a short period, facilitating long trips and daily mobility without prolonged interruptions.
Meanwhile, 15,170 charging points are classified as alternating current (AC), ideal for slower recharges, and are frequently located in residential, commercial, and public parking areas.
This balanced combination of fast and standard charging infrastructure ensures that EV users in Switzerland have access to recharging options tailored to diverse needs and circumstances.
Government incentives and legislation
Another reason for the growth can be attributed to the benefits provided by the Swiss government to encourage the transition to electric vehicles.
Firstly, several Swiss cantons implement reductions or exemptions in the circulation tax for certain periods, based on fuel consumption measured in CO2 emissions per kilometre.
This measure not only incentivises the acquisition of electric vehicles but also promotes the reduction of the carbon footprint in transportation.
Regarding tax benefits for businesses, a similar trend is observed, where various cantons offer reductions in the circulation tax, also based on CO2 emissions and the energy efficiency of corporate vehicles.
In addition to tax benefits, other financial incentives exist to drive the adoption of electric cars in Switzerland.
Some insurance companies and leasing firms offer discounts on insurance premiums or leasing interest rates for vehicles considered environmentally friendly or highly fuel-efficient.
At the local level, various incentives are available for the EV charging infrastructure.
Cantons and municipalities contribute to the installation costs of electromobility, as seen in initiatives supported by the Canton of Bern for charging stations in companies.
Besides fiscal and financial benefits, some cantons offer direct subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles.
Although there are no recent and relevant federal purchase subsidies, individual cantons, municipalities, and energy providers support the introduction of electric vehicles through subsidy programs and financial assistance.
These subsidies, primarily available at the regional or municipal level, reflect Switzerland's ongoing commitment to promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions in transportation.
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