In Switzerland, the promotion of electromobility largely falls on the cantons, which are implementing measures such as tax reductions and incentives for installing charging points.
However, sources from the Swiss eMobility association tell Mobility Portal Europe that “national policy is not sufficiently motivated to support the industry, either financially or with a better legal framework, and there is only one measure based on the voluntariness of all involved parties.”
Indeed, this year has witnessed the reintroduction of the 4% federal import tax, dampening market enthusiasm.
The organization’s representatives argue that “while the Ministry of Transport plans to build charging stations along motorways, support remains minimal.”
Cantons sometimes reduce vehicle taxes or offer subsidies for wallbox installations, but these measures seem insufficient to significantly boost the market.
Switzerland’s Roadmap to electromobility
The Swiss climate goals are heavily dependent on the swift progress of electromobility.
The Electromobility Roadmap 2025, endorsed by both private and public sectors, aims to drive this advancement through collaborative efforts.
This roadmap acts as a hub for stakeholders to share their individual initiatives and work together on crucial areas such as enhancing charging options in specific settings (like multi-unit buildings and key locations) and advancing battery recycling.
Managed by DETEC and the Federal Offices of Energy (BFE) and Roads (FEDRO), the roadmap offers regular updates, networking events, and workshops. Participation is voluntary and doesn’t require financial investment.
It was recently announced that Federal Councillor Albert Rösti plans to extend the Electromobility Roadmap, which has been effective since 2018, through to 2030.
During the 13th platform event of the Electromobility Roadmap 2025 held in Bern on September 3, 2024, he announced that the scope of the roadmap will expand to include not just passenger cars but also trucks, light commercial vehicles, and public transport buses.
In addition to that, according to its official website, 74 organizations have activated a total of 96 measures.
The goal of these initiatives is to achieve next year’s targets, with a focus on transforming the sustainable transport sector.
One major challenge is to ensure that 50 per cent of new registrations are plug-in vehicles by next year, marking a significant advance towards emission reduction and the promotion of greener alternatives.
This goal is complemented by expanding the charging infrastructure: the aim is to reach 20,000 public charging stations nationwide.
As of August 2024, 14,224 points have been installed, showing considerable progress towards this target.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to ensure that charging is user-friendly and fully compatible with the electrical grid.
This includes enabling home, workplace, and travel charging, facilitating a smooth transition to widespread electric mobility.
eMobility projects make progress in Switzerland
Firstly, ABB is focusing on developing bidirectional charging stations.
These stations will allow electric vehicles to serve as additional energy sources, benefiting both homes and industry.
Secondly, Arval has introduced a flexible solution through its electric vehicle rental fleet.
This offer enables businesses and individuals to experience electromobility without substantial financial commitments.
Vehicles can be rented for periods ranging from one to 24 months, with the option to return them without restrictions, thus facilitating adaptation to electric mobility.
Regarding charging infrastructure, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is working on building a dense network of rapid charging stations at rest areas along national roads.
It is anticipated that by the end of 2023, approximately 40 areas will be equipped, to reach 100 by 2030, and establish one of the most comprehensive charging networks in Europe.
Additionally, Swiss Post has begun using electric vehicles for deliveries in Bern and Zurich, with plans to extend this model to other cities.
The evpass network, established in 2016, has set up over 2,500 charging stations across Switzerland and continues to expand.
It provides efficient and accessible charging infrastructure, allowing electric vehicle users to enjoy an optimal charging experience.
Furthermore, IKEA has also committed to offering emission-free products by 2025 and is expanding its fleet with such vehicles, encouraging its suppliers to do the same.
Finally, Tesla is strengthening its network of superchargers in Switzerland.
In the future, these superchargers will be compatible with other vehicle brands and offer charging options during extended stays at locations such as hotels and shopping centres.
eMobility Figures for Switzerland
Even though incentives appear to be insufficient, the electromobility sector shows steady growth.
By the end of August 2024, the total fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country reached 198,000 units.
Compared to March’s figures, which recorded 4,827 electric vehicles and 2,015 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), August saw a decrease in new registrations, with 3,373 EVs and 1,209 PHEVs.
This decline represents a 30 per cent reduction in EV registrations and a 40 per cent drop in plug-in hybrid registrations compared to March.
Although August did not match the registration levels of March, the sector continues to demonstrate robust growth throughout the year.
Regarding the market share of different types of propulsion in new registrations for Switzerland and Liechtenstein in 2024, hybrids (HEVs) lead with 32.4 per cent, followed by petrol engines at 30.8 per cent.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) account for 18.1 per cent of the market, while diesel vehicles represent 10.0%. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) make up 8.6 per cent.
Hydrogen (FCEV) and gas vehicles have minimal representation this year.
Among the 20 most registered electric vehicles to date in 2024, the Tesla Model Y leads with 4,570 units, followed by the Volvo EX30 with 2,071 registrations and the Skoda Enyaq with 1,783.
Other notable models include the Audi Q4 with 1,465, the Tesla Model 3 with 1,312, and the VW ID.3 with 1,148 registrations.
The list also includes the BMW IX1, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and VW ID.4, among others.
