Tax Benefits and Subsidies for Electric Vehicles in Switzerland: A Guide for Business Customers

Kamilya - January 14, 2025

Using an electric vehicle (EV) fleet demonstrates your company's commitment to sustainability. Not only does this boost your company’s image, but it also reduces fleet operating costs. Thanks to tax benefits and subsidies, you can save significantly with an EV fleet. Additionally, subsidies and grants are available for installing charging infrastructure. Here, you’ll find all the details about current cantonal and regional programs.

Overview of E-Car Subsidies in Switzerland

Changes in Subsidy Programs

The bad news first: Since 2024, a 4% import tax applies to EVs again, ending nationwide subsidies for EV purchases in Switzerland. However, there’s also good news—prices for EVs have dropped. Some regional programs still provide funding for electric fleet investments or EV purchases.

Regional Subsidy Measures

  • Energy Providers: Some providers, like Glattwerk, subsidize EV purchases or charging infrastructure installation.

  • Roadmap Elektromobilität 2025: This initiative lists additional subsidy programs provided by companies.

  • Swiss eMobility Platform: Offers insights into regional subsidy programs for individuals and businesses.

Additionally, insurance providers like Zurich Insurance offer eco-bonuses for EV owners, helping to reduce insurance costs.

Cantonal and Municipal Subsidy Programs

Most cantonal and municipal subsidies for EVs were discontinued in 2024. However, some exceptions remain:

  • Thurgau: Covers 15% of the investment cost for charging infrastructure development.

  • Basel-Stadt: The "Wirtschaft unter Strom" program provides grants for EV acquisitions.

Certain municipalities also offer subsidies for EV purchases, although many local programs are currently inactive. Detailed subsidy conditions, including timelines and funding for charging stations, can be found on municipal websites.

Differences in Tax Relief

Although the import tax exemption for EVs has been revoked, some cantons still offer partial or full exemptions from vehicle taxes, up to 100%. Each canton exercises its own tax authority, resulting in variations in tax assessment based on:

  • CO2 emissions: NE

  • Total weight: AI, AR, BE, BL, JU, SG, UR

  • Engine capacity/horsepower: AG, GL, GR, LU, NW, OW, SH, SO, TG, VS, ZG

  • Combination metrics: ZH (engine capacity and total weight), BS (curb weight and CO2 emissions), TI (curb weight and power), SZ, VD (power and total weight).

Financing and Grants for Charging Infrastructure

Basel-Stadt’s "Aktion Ladeinfrastruktur"

This initiative supports the installation of charging infrastructure in parking facilities.

Tax Advantages of EVs

Although the 4% import tax increases new EV prices, annual savings include approximately CHF 800 in fuel taxes since no additional taxes apply to charging electricity.

Cantonal Tax Discounts

Several Swiss cantons offer vehicle tax reductions. Examples:

CantonAnnual Tax Bonus in CHF Additional Information
AargauX
Appenzell Ausserrhoden X
Appenzell Innerrhoden X
Basel-Landschaft 300Until the end of 2026
Basel-Stadt 125
Bern163
Freiburg649
Geneva 1,607 100% tax exemption
Glarus220100% tax exemption
GraubündenX
Jura394
LucerneX
Neuchâtel125
Nidwalden 390Until the end of 2026, 100% tax exemption
Obwalden62 Until the end of 2025
SchaffhausenX
SchwyzX
Solothurn199100% tax exemption
St. Gallen 663Until the end of 2026, 100%, thereafter 50% tax exemption
TicinoX
Thurgau48Until 31.01.2028
Uri187
VaudX
ValaisX
Zug255
Zurich 499Until the end of 2026, 100% tax exemption

The Future of EV Promotion in Switzerland

Growing Adoption

In 2023, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 20.7% of new registrations in Switzerland, rising to 30% in 2024.

Roadmap Elektromobilität

This initiative, involving public-private partnerships, aims to increase BEV new registrations to 50% by 2025. Future plans include integrating heavy and public transport vehicles by 2026.

Legislative Developments

The new electricity law supports renewable energy expansion and promotes bidirectional charging, enabling EVs to serve as mobile energy storage units.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s ambitious EV goals clash with a significant reduction in subsidies. Despite this, the country’s robust charging network and competitive EV pricing ensure sustained interest. Cantonal and regional programs, alongside private initiatives, ease the transition to e-mobility. Choosing a flexible EV subscription, like CARIFY, allows you to test drive the EV experience while benefiting from all applicable tax and subsidy advantages.

FAQs

How much can you save with an EV in Switzerland?

EVs have significantly lower fuel costs compared to conventional vehicles, especially when using electricity from home solar systems. Tax discounts and subsidies further reduce operating costs.

What subsidies were available for EVs in 2024?

Most subsidies were discontinued in 2024, but checking municipal and cantonal websites, as well as consulting energy providers and insurers, may reveal current offers.

How much financial support is available for EVs?

Some cantons provide vehicle tax discounts of up to 100%. While federal subsidies are no longer available, some municipalities and private entities still offer financial support.

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In partnership with Zurich Insurance Zurich Insurance

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