The so-called plug-in vehicles represented 40.0 percent of new registrations in June for the first time. The share of plug-in vehicles since the beginning of the year has been 36.3 percent cumulatively. Thus, the natural demand for electric vehicles continues to fall significantly short of political expectations. For a turnaround and stronger market penetration of e-mobility, framework conditions need to be significantly improved.
The Swiss passenger car market concludes the first half of 2026 with a slight plus. By June 30, 116,584 new passenger vehicles were registered in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein - 3.0 percent more than in the corresponding period of the previous year (113,133). In June, new registrations, with 25,207 vehicles, were 15.6 percent above the previous year. However, this strong increase in June should not be overestimated, as a calendar effect contributed to it: In contrast to the previous year, 2026 had fewer holidays on working days, resulting in more sales days.
Positive Development Requires Stable Framework Conditions
The slight recovery of the Swiss automobile market is pleasing, but remains fragile in view of the industry's economic challenges. For the positive trend to continue, more reliable and market-oriented framework conditions are needed. In particular, concerning the implementation of CO2 regulation, Switzerland should adopt the approved European relaxations as quickly as possible. A regulatory 'Swiss Finish' should be avoided to prevent cost and competitive disadvantages compared to the European environment.
Electrification Continues Growth
Electrification of the new car market has further increased in the first half of the year. Pure electric passenger cars increased by 20.2 percent to 27,889 vehicles by the end of June compared to the previous year. The growth in plug-in hybrids was even more pronounced, with registrations rising by 24.7 percent to 14,456 vehicles. Together, plug-in vehicles today account for a market share of 36.3 percent (23.9 percent BEV and 13.4 percent PHEV). Therefore, plug-in vehicles are now approaching hybrid drives, which have been the most volume-strong drive category with a share of 36.5 percent. Conventional drives (27.2 percent) continue to lose significance.
Although fossil fuel drives (27.2 percent) are losing significance, the growth of e-mobility falls short of expectations. Thomas Rücker, Director at auto-schweiz, assesses: 'The multitude of more than 350 electric models available in all price classes still do not convince the majority of new car buyers. Evidently, the previous market successes have not yet sufficiently dispelled prejudices.'
More Attractive Framework Conditions Necessary
The share of plug-in vehicles in the total vehicle population is still at a single-digit percentage. Therefore, more attractive framework conditions are necessary for the transition to low-emission drives. These include tax reliefs instead of increases on electric drives, further expansion of public charging infrastructure, especially in cities, favourable energy prices, as well as economically attractive conditions for charging at home and at the workplace.
Detailed figures by brand are available at www.auto.swiss. The evaluations by auto-schweiz are based on federal surveys; the data may be preliminary and not yet complete.
Press Contact:
Frank Keidel
Media Spokesperson
T 076 399 69 06
frank.keidel@auto.swiss