Buying an Eco-Friendly Car: Your Guide to Sustainable Vehicles

Kamilya - November 22, 2024

Looking for a new car? You might be considering an eco-friendly option this time. On one hand, driving restrictions and environmental zones are making it increasingly challenging for combustion engine vehicles; on the other, eco-friendly vehicles come with attractive incentives. But what about range and charging infrastructure? Should you start with a hybrid or go fully electric? At CARIFY, we answer these and many other questions.

Why Buy an Eco-Friendly Car?

There are plenty of good reasons to invest in an eco-friendly vehicle. At CARIFY, we explore the benefits for you.

Environmental and Financial Benefits

Environment: Climate change is becoming more evident, with rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. Reducing global warming is a shared responsibility, and cutting your carbon footprint is crucial. Eco-friendly cars, which emit little to no greenhouse gases, make a significant contribution.

Finances: While electric and hybrid cars may have higher upfront costs, they offer long-term financial advantages. Though federal subsidies for electric cars in Switzerland have ended, some cantonal incentives remain, such as reduced or eliminated motor vehicle taxes. Check your canton’s road traffic office website to learn about local incentives. Additionally, there are regional grants for electric mobility and charging infrastructure.

Even without incentives, eco-friendly cars are cost-effective in the long run. Electric engines have fewer moving parts and don’t require fluids like oil, leading to lower maintenance needs. Some insurers offer discounts (eco-bonuses) for electric cars. Plus, electricity is a cheaper fuel source than traditional options, especially if you charge your car at home using a solar panel system.

Which Types of Drives Are the Most Environmentally Friendly?

  1. Electric: Electric vehicles (EVs) lead the pack in CO2 emissions, emitting no pollutants during driving. However, their eco-friendliness depends on how the electricity is generated, with renewable energy sources being the most sustainable.

  2. Hydrogen: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor, but their environmental impact depends on how the hydrogen is produced. Renewable hydrogen is ideal, but production is costly, doubling operating expenses compared to EVs.

  3. Hybrid: Hybrids combine a combustion engine with an electric motor. They drive electrically on short trips, with the combustion engine kicking in when the battery is depleted. Plug-in hybrids recharge via charging stations. Their eco-friendliness depends on how often the electric motor is used, but their dual engines increase weight and fuel consumption.

  4. Natural Gas: While emitting fewer pollutants than combustion engines, natural gas is a finite fossil fuel with limited infrastructure.

  5. Biofuels: Made from biological materials, biofuels aren’t a fully sustainable alternative due to high production costs, energy intensity, and competition with food crop land.

  6. Fossil Fuels: Vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel produce high emissions. Diesel engines add particulate pollution to the mix.

Types of Eco-Friendly Cars

From the ranking above, it’s clear that vehicles running solely on fossil fuels are not eco-friendly. Here’s how sustainable cars differ:

Electric Cars (BEVs)

Powered by electricity stored in batteries, BEVs are the most eco-friendly option, offering zero emissions during operation.

Hybrid Cars (Plug-in and Full Hybrids)

These combine an electric motor with a combustion engine for extended range, though they are less eco-friendly than BEVs.

Hydrogen Cars (FCEVs)

These vehicles generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, driving an electric motor with water vapor as the only byproduct.

What to Consider When Buying an Eco-Friendly Car

An eco-friendly car must align with your mobility needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Range and Charging Infrastructure

EVs’ limited range remains a concern for some drivers. However, Switzerland has a well-developed charging infrastructure, reducing this hurdle. While charging times are still longer than refueling, advancements in battery technology are reducing wait times. Hydrogen cars face greater challenges, with limited refueling stations requiring careful route planning.

Costs and Incentives in Switzerland

Hybrid cars are generally the cheapest eco-friendly option, followed by EVs and hydrogen vehicles. Operating costs are lowest for EVs and highest for hydrogen vehicles. Though federal incentives have ended, cantonal and regional subsidies for eco-friendly cars still exist. Check your canton’s official website or the Swiss Federal Office of Energy for details.

Battery Lifespan and Recycling

Lithium-ion batteries, the most common type, degrade over time, reducing capacity and performance. Their lifespan ranges from 8–15 years or 100,000–300,000 kilometers, depending on driving habits and charging practices. Manufacturers usually offer warranties for up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. Recycling efforts aim to recover valuable materials, making battery production more sustainable.

Buying an Eco-Friendly Car with CARIFY

Considering an eco-friendly car? CARIFY offers more than just car subscriptions.

Sustainable Vehicle Options

CARIFY collaborates with over 500 partner garages across Switzerland, offering a wide range of eco-friendly vehicles. Filter your options by fuel type, including:

Flexibility with the “Try and Buy” Model

Not ready to commit? Test your chosen vehicle for 1–6 months with CARIFY’s "Try and Buy" model. If you decide to purchase, your subscription payments (minus additional insurance costs) are credited toward the purchase price. If not, simply return the car and try another.

Simplified Purchase Process

After the trial period, you can choose to:

  1. Buy: Take advantage of special offers from CARIFY’s partners.

  2. Lease: Opt for affordable leasing rates based on the reduced "Try and Buy" price.

  3. Return: Cancel your subscription and return the vehicle.

Buying or leasing is very straightforward because we already have all the relevant data and documents from you. All you have to pay is the registration fee of 250 CHF for the re-registration, vignette and fuel filling.

Conclusion

Transitioning to eco-friendly mobility is inevitable and comes with immediate benefits for the environment and your wallet. CARIFY’s "Try and Buy" model lets you explore e-mobility risk-free before committing to a purchase under favorable terms.

FAQs

What types of eco-friendly cars are available?

Electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

How much does an electric car cost in Switzerland?

Prices for new electric cars range from 30,000 CHF to over 100,000 CHF, depending on the brand and model.

How sustainable is an electric car?

Sustainability depends on battery production and the source of electricity. Renewable energy enhances the eco-friendliness of EVs.

Back to blogs

In partnership with Zurich Insurance Zurich Insurance

Related

The Benefits of an Electric Car Fleet for Your Business: Cost, Sustainability & Image

Kamilya - January 13, 2025

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) fleet offers businesses both sustainability and economic advantages. As restrictions on combustion engine vehicles increase, EVs will maintain operational access. Furthermore, lower maintenance costs and a positive public image make investing in EVs a financially sound decision today. Discover key information about electric fleets here.

Auto Subscription or Leasing? How to Choose the Best Mobility Solution for Your Business

Kamilya - January 13, 2025

For businesses, vehicle fleets represent a significant capital investment. Many companies explore alternative solutions to provide company cars to employees or acquire pool vehicles. In addition to leasing, auto subscriptions are emerging as a viable option. This guide compares leasing and auto subscriptions, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Company Cars: A Practical Benefit for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)

Kamilya - January 10, 2025

Company cars are one of the monetary benefits that you as an employer provide to your employees. This makes you as a small or medium-sized company (SMB) more attractive to skilled workers looking for a new job and sets you apart from the competition. However, many SMBs are put off by the financial and administrative effort involved in investing in a company vehicle fleet. This is where the car subscription comes into play. Read important aspects about the advantages of the flexible mobility solution for company cars in this article.