Electric or combustion car: what does it really cost to own in Switzerland?

Deutsch

Purchase incentives 2026: Switzerland has no nationwide purchase incentive for a new electric car — the federal government pays no bonus at purchase. Support is largely cantonal and varies widely: some cantons grant a discount on, or a full waiver of, the Motorfahrzeugsteuer (cantonal motor-vehicle tax) for electric cars — in some cases over several years — and some municipalities or energy utilities help fund a wallbox installation. A uniform purchase grant, however, does not exist. Not everyone benefits equally — which is why we list these advantages separately and do not count them into the total cost above. Source: cantonal road traffic offices (Strassenverkehrsämter) / EnergieSchweiz, as of 1 July 2026. Check your canton of residence's rules before you buy.

Road tax and running costs: the Motorfahrzeugsteuer (motor-vehicle tax) is set by each canton in Switzerland, and many grant electric cars a discount or a time-limited exemption — how much depends heavily on your canton of residence. There is no nationwide, annually recurring cash benefit to deduct; the electric car's advantage comes mainly from its running costs (charging, maintenance). On top of that, the former exemption from the federal Automobilsteuer (automobile import duty) no longer applies since 2024 — new electric cars have been taxed the same as combustion cars ever since. Any maintenance savings are counted directly into the running costs — never as a cash grant. As of 1 July 2026.