The share of electric cars rose to 30 percent in August amid a shrinking overall market, as shown by figures from auto-schweiz. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, 16,047 passenger cars were registered in August. That is 0.6 percent less than in the already weak same month last year. Since the beginning of the year, the market has recorded 151,589 new registrations. This represents an increase of 1.8 percent.
August Figures at a Glance
August is traditionally considered a slow month. The vacation season and model changes weigh on the numbers. Nevertheless, the decline is noticeable because it occurs at a low baseline.
The picture is different when it comes to powertrains. All-electric vehicles rose by 48.7 percent in August. Their share reached 30.2 percent of new registrations. Since the beginning of the year, that figure has stood at 24.8 percent.
Purely fossil-fuel-powered vehicles continue to lose ground. Gasoline vehicles still account for 20.6 percent cumulatively, while diesel vehicles account for 5.5 percent. In August, only one in five new vehicles was powered solely by fossil fuels.
One distinctive Swiss trend remains stable: more than half of all new passenger cars—52.5 percent—have all-wheel drive.
Plug-in vehicles overtake hybrids for the first time
This is the real milestone. Since the beginning of the year, plug-in vehicles have accounted for 37.2 percent of the market, while non-plug-in hybrids account for 36.7 percent.
The gap is small, but the trend is clear. Just a few years ago, full hybrids clearly dominated this segment. Now the balance is shifting.
By way of comparison: In the first half of the year, plug-in vehicles accounted for 36.3 percent. Their share is thus continuing to grow.
Plug-in hybrids are losing ground
Within the plug-in vehicle segment, the balance is shifting significantly. Plug-in hybrids declined by 4.3 percent in August. Their monthly share stood at 12.4 percent.
There are several reasons for this trend. Buyers are increasingly realizing that a plug-in hybrid requires disciplined charging. Those who don’t charge regularly are essentially driving a heavy vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
At the same time, full hybrids without a plug are filling the same niche. Volkswagen, for example, began pre-sales in August for a new full hybrid version of the Golf and T‑Roc. Such systems operate without charging infrastructure.
For importers, this shift is a delicate matter. After all, plug-in hybrids have long been regarded as a bridge technology for meeting CO2 targets.
Why the Association’s Headline Underplays the Situation
One detail deserves journalistic attention. auto-schweiz titled the report “Stable Demand for Electric Cars.”
A 48.7 percent increase within a single month is more than just stable. The choice of words is therefore remarkably cautious. However, it aligns with the association’s communication strategy. The association consistently emphasizes the strained market situation. The cautious wording thus supports auto-schweiz’s policy demands.
At the same time, caution is warranted when looking at monthly figures. A single month can be influenced by catch-up effects, new model launches, or registration promotions. The cumulative figure of 24.8 percent is the more reliable indicator.
The Swiss market lags behind Europe
The international comparison is unfavorable. The European market grew by more than five percent by mid-year. Switzerland stands at 1.8 percent after eight months.
A rough projection puts the total for the full year at around 237,000 vehicles. By comparison, approximately 232,600 new passenger cars were registered in 2025. Before the pandemic, the market stood at over 300,000 units.
The recovery thus remains weak. For the automotive trade, this means continued pressure on margins and capacity utilization.
The political agenda behind the report
Thomas Rücker, director of auto-schweiz, links the figures to two demands. First, he calls for deregulation and greater flexibility in CO2 regulations, similar to those in Europe. Second, he warns against new taxes on electric vehicles.
This position is understandable yet also driven by vested interests. auto-schweiz represents 41 members with 63 brands. They import over 90 percent of new cars and serve more than 4,000 dealerships.
If importers fail to meet CO2 targets, they pay penalties. These funds go toward road financing. Greater flexibility therefore directly lowers costs for members.
The opposing view is that more lenient targets will slow down electrification. Environmental and transportation associations argue accordingly. Both sides present valid points.
Dispute Over the Proposed Tax on Electric Vehicles
The second issue concerns a pending proposal. In September 2025, the Federal Council opened a public consultation on a tax on electric vehicles.
The backdrop is road financing. The federal government’s infrastructure is entirely user-funded. The most important source of revenue is the mineral oil tax. These revenues decline with every electric vehicle.
Two options are under discussion. One taxes the kilometers driven in Switzerland. The other taxes the charging current, at a rate of 22.8 rappen per kilowatt-hour as proposed. Implementation is planned for 2030.
There is a long way to go. It requires a constitutional amendment and, consequently, a referendum.
The positions are not as far apart as they seem. The TCS acknowledges the contribution of all road users but demands revenue neutrality. The VCS considers polluter-pays financing to be appropriate but warns against a burden that is too high or introduced too hastily.
So the controversy is less about “if” and more about “how” and “when.”
Overall market stagnates at a low level
The figures show two trends occurring simultaneously. The overall market is stagnating at a low level. The powertrain mix, on the other hand, is shifting rapidly.
For importers and dealers, this is a difficult combination. They must invest in electrification without benefiting from volume growth.
For prospective buyers, the situation remains favorable for the time being. The supply is growing, and competitive pressure is high. However, anyone thinking long-term should keep an eye on the tax debate. After all, a vehicle purchased today will often still be on the road in 2030.
How many new cars were registered in August 2026?
16,047 passenger cars in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. That’s a decrease of 0.6 percent.
What is the percentage of electric vehicles?
In August, 30.2 percent. Since the beginning of the year, it has stood at 24.8 percent.
What are plug-in vehicles?
All-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids combined. Together, they account for 37.2 percent.
What is the key milestone in these statistics?
For the first time, plug-in vehicles have overtaken non-plug-in hybrids. The latter account for 36.7 percent.
How are plug-in hybrids performing?
They’re on the decline. In August, they fell by 4.3 percent, with a monthly share of 12.4 percent.
How many new cars still run on fossil fuels?
Cumulatively, 20.6 percent are gasoline-powered and 5.5 percent are diesel-powered. In August, it was still one in five vehicles.
How does Switzerland compare to the rest of Europe?
Worse. Europe saw growth of over five percent by mid-year, while Switzerland’s growth after eight months stood at 1.8 percent.
What is auto-schweiz calling for?
Deregulation and greater flexibility in CO2 regulations, as well as no new taxes on electric vehicles.
What tax on electric vehicles is planned?
The Federal Council is proposing two options: one based on mileage and one based on charging current. The plan is to introduce it starting in 2030.
Is the tax definitely coming?
No. It requires a constitutional amendment and thus a referendum.
