Charging at Home is the Norm - Renters Remain Disadvantaged

"How does Switzerland charge?": For the first time, a representative survey with drivers of electric cars from all language regions in Switzerland was conducted on behalf of the Federal Office for Energy, supported by various partner organizations, including the Touring Club Switzerland. It provides insight into the charging behavior of drivers of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Most respondents drive their electric vehicle between 10,000 and 15,000 kilometers per year, with available ranges of 300 to 500 kilometers. 73 percent of respondents are over 45 years old, and the majority own their own garage, a fixed underground garage, or a parking space outside.

Charging at home dominates - but hurdles remain Four out of five electric car users utilize the charging station at their own residence. For homeowners with a garage or fixed parking space, this poses no problem in daily life. However, the proportion is significantly lower among younger or renting individuals. When charging does not take place at home, it is usually because there is no private charging infrastructure available. Renters face clear disadvantages, as charging infrastructure often needs to be installed first, or is even refused.

Only just under 30 percent charge occasionally to frequently at the workplace. For these individuals, the charging infrastructure is often affordable or even free. Additionally, around a quarter use public charging points in daily life, and more than half use public charging points on longer trips. In everyday life, publicly accessible charging infrastructure is more frequently used by younger electric car users and renters.

Two- thirds charge at home at the latest when the battery status drops below 40 percent. On the road, however, usually only when the battery is almost empty. For the majority of electric car users, it is important to be able to charge whenever it is convenient. Only a few consider the stability of the power grid.

Readiness for Smart Charging The survey also included the topic of intelligent or grid-friendly charging, "Smart Charging". This refers to the charging of electric cars, where charging processes are specifically controlled and optimized. By shifting the timing and power of the car's charging, the distribution network can be relieved. This allows for more efficient use of energy sources like solar power, and takes into account factors such as electricity tariffs, grid load, and individual energy needs.

78 percent of electric car users are willing to charge their vehicle in a grid-friendly manner. With discounts or flexible electricity tariffs, the willingness to do so increases significantly. Half of the respondents own a photovoltaic system and already coordinate the charging with their own electricity production. Two-thirds of them do so regularly. This solution contributes to decentralized, renewable energy supply.

Framework Conditions Crucial The survey shows that homeowners are at an advantage with their own charging infrastructure. Further improvements in charging infrastructure, particularly in rental and multi-family dwellings, can further support the development of e-mobility. TCS sees authorities and landlords as responsible for installing or preparing charging points - for example, at public parking spaces. The recommended standard is the SIA Bulletin 2060 (Expansion Level C2 Power to Parking), which provides a basic installation for e-mobility in multi-party properties. TCS also sees a growth opportunity in the increasingly affordable prices of electric vehicles.

Flexible electricity tariffs could create incentives in the future, even without a personal PV system. This would allow electricity consumption in traffic to be specifically adapted to the electricity supply.

About the Survey The market research institute intervista AG conducted the survey on behalf of the Federal Office for Energy (BFE). A total of 2003 participants from German-speaking Switzerland, French-speaking Switzerland, and Italian-speaking Switzerland completed the survey between July 17 and August 18, 2025. The survey targeted drivers of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV).

For the full results of the survey: Wie lädt die Schweiz? - Survey of Electric Car Users

Press contact:
Vanessa Flack, Press Officer TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 41

vanessa.flack@tcs.ch
pressetcs.ch

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