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E-Mobility Q3 2025: Plug-In Cars Overtake Petrol Cars

In the first nine months of 2025, more than 1 in 5 new cars was a BEV, and nearly 1 in 3 had a plug-in drivetrain.

In 7 cantons, already 1 in 4 new cars was fully electric, showing rapid adoption. BEV vans and trucks saw the strongest growth. By the end of September 2025, registrations had already surpassed the total for the entire year of 2024. BEV trucks now account for over 18% of the market. The growth of electric commercial vehicles is driven by the exemption from the Swiss performance-based heavy vehicle tax (LSVA).

Numbers - Hybrids Are The Winners

Overall Car Registrations

  • 🚗 Cars: ↓ -3.9 %
  • 🚚 Vans: ↓ -8.6 %
  • 🚛 Trucks: ↓ -12.7 %.

In this quarter, while car registrations overall declined, electric cars yet again turned out to be the clear winners. Hybrid cars (HEVs) were the preferred choice for 36 % of the total new registrations, surpassing gasoline cars. Plug-in vehicles (BEVs + PHEVs) ranked 2nd, surpassing Diesel. 

EVs

  • 🚗 BEV Cars: ↑ + 8.8 % (+ 2’904 units) 
  • 🚚 BEV Vans: ↑ + 79 % (+1’171 units) 
  • 🚛 BEV Trucks: ↑ + 71 % (+252 units) 

The market share of fully electric passenger cars: 21.1 % 

Source: Data from the Federal Roads Office ASTRA, prepared by Swisscharge.

News - The Typical EV Driver

Plug-in Hybrids vs. Electric Cars – Is the Switch Worth It?

Studies show that plug-in hybrids only save fuel if they are charged regularly. Compared to pure electric cars, they are heavier, more expensive and often less efficient. For commuters with charging options, they can serve as a transitional solution.

👉  Check out the comparison: plug-in hybrids vs. electric cars

«The Typical EV Driver is Old and Owns a House»

The new SFOE survey “How does Switzerland charge?” shows: 70% of electric-car drivers own their home, and many charge in their own garage. Nearly three quarters are over 45 years old.

👉  Who drives an electric car?

Federal Council Plans EV Tax

Starting in 2030, electric cars in Switzerland could be taxed, for example per kilometer or per kWh. Auto Switzerland warns that this could make EVs more expensive and slow down climate goals.

👉 Does the tax jeopardise electric mobility?

 

EU - 1 in 4 Cars Comes with a Plug 

BEV Growth Across Europe

Plug-in cars are shining in Europe. In the first nine months of 2025, BEV sales jumped 24 % (+26.5 % including PHEVs), even as the overall car market grew by only 0.9%.

 

Country Comparison

  • 🎻 Austria: BEVs +41 % - Strong momentum continues.
  • 🕯️ Denmark: BEVs + 45.5 % - One of Europe's fastest growers.
  • 🥨 Germany: BEVs +38.3 % - Big rebound in the EU’s largest market.
  • 🍕 Italy: BEVs +27 % - Solid growth in a traditionally slow EV market.
  • ☕ UK: BEVs +29 % - Steady expansion despite market headwinds.
  • 🧀 Switzerland: BEVs + 8.8 % - Moderate growth.

Source: Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association ACEA, prepared by Swisscharge.

Conclusion

The general trends of 2025 have intensified in Q3: despite a shrinking overall market, electrified vehicles continue to gain ground. Hybrids now lead, plug-ins have overtaken Diesel and Gasoline, and BEVs are expanding across all vehicle segments. Strong incentives like the LSVA exemption are accelerating this shift for vans and trucks. 

FAQ - E-Mobility in Switzerland

Why are hybrids surpassing gasoline cars in 2025?

Hybrids are overtaking gasoline cars in 2025 because they provide lower fuel consumption, competitive ownership costs, and require no charging infrastructure. As Switzerland moves toward full electrification, hybrids act as a practical transition technology for many drivers. 

Why are plug-in vehicles overtaking Diesel?

Plug-in vehicles are surpassing Diesel due to higher Diesel ownership costs, tightening emissions regulations, and growing environmental pressure. At the same time, plug-ins benefit from lower running costs and Switzerland’s expanding public charging network.

How fast is the BEV market growing in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s BEV market growth remains strong: in the first nine months of 2025, over 21% of all newly registered passenger cars were fully electric. BEV vans and trucks are growing even faster, with registrations already exceeding total 2024 volumes. 

What drives the strong increase in electric trucks?

The surge in electric trucks in Switzerland is largely driven by the LSVA exemption, which significantly lowers operating costs for zero-emission trucks. This incentive makes BEV trucks especially attractive for logistics, delivery fleets, and commercial transport

Are plug-in hybrids still a good option in 2025?

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are only efficient and cost-effective if charged regularly. For drivers with reliable home or workplace charging, they can still be a useful transitional option – but BEVs generally offer better efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced long-term costs

Will electric cars be taxed in Switzerland?

Switzerland is considering introducing an electric car tax from 2030, potentially based on kilometres driven or kWh consumed. While the goal is to compensate for declining fuel tax revenue, industry associations warn that it could slow EV adoption if not implemented carefully. 

Swisscharge supports companies end-to-end - from managing charging infrastructure to 24/7 service. Explore our Swisscharge solutions

Stay tuned for the Q4 update!

04.12.2025

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