Oil Price Fluctuations Highlight Urgency of Transforming Swiss Car Fleet
16.03.2026 | from VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz
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16.03.2026, Switzerland's dependency on petrol and diesel is taking its toll. Member of the National Council, Michael Töngi, member of the central board of the Swiss Transport Club (VCS), demands answers from the Federal Council on how the transition to electric mobility can be accelerated.
“Markets are currently nervous, and the oil price is reacting strongly to the war in Iran. In the short term, this is felt here mainly at the petrol station pump,” says National Councilor Michael Töngi, member of the VCS central board. “As a society, we are paying the price for the slow transition to electric mobility. If tenants finally had access to charging infrastructure, the transformation would gain significant momentum.”
More than half of the people in Switzerland live in one of around 2.5 million rental apartments. Additionally, the number of condominium apartments is estimated at approximately 900,000. From VCS's perspective, a tremendous potential remains untapped, which must finally be harnessed. Last year, the Federal Councils approved Motion 23.3936 ‘Charging Electric Cars in Rental and Condominium Properties.’ Since then, the Federal Council has been obligated to implement it, but progress is nowhere in sight.
Federal Council Must Take a Stand
Michael Töngi demands clarity: “I want to know from the Federal Council how the implementation of this motion is progressing. The volatility of oil prices affects us all, and thousands of people in this country want to free themselves from dependency on petrol and diesel. Therefore, it is urgent that tenants have timely and comprehensive access to the necessary charging infrastructure.” During the National Council’s question time on Monday, Michael Töngi will request information on the status of the work and a timetable for implementing the motion.
For further information:
Michael Töngi, Central Board Member and National Councilor Greens/LU, 079 205 97 65
VCS Media Office, 079 708 05 36, medien@verkehrsclub.ch
The VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz is committed to sustainable transport policy and advocates for optimal synergy between different modes of transport. With 85,000 members, the VCS is the largest transport association in Switzerland advocating for sustainable mobility. More information: www.verkehrsclub.ch
VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz
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P.O. Box
3001 Bern
Media Office 079 708 05 36
medien@verkehrsclub.ch
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VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz
The VCS is a registered association based in Bern. It is non-profit and politically independent.
The VCS is committed to environmentally friendly mobility and optimal interaction between car, bicycle, train, and foot traffic. It advocates for public transport, more environmentally friendly cars, and safer roads.
Additionally, it offers its members insurance for motor vehicles, breakdown assistance, and travel insurance.
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Source: VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz, Press release
Original article published on: Ölpreis-Kapriolen verdeutlichen die Dringlichkeit einer Transformation der Schweizer Autoflotte