Use of electric car
When it’s worth getting an electric car: is now the right time to switch?
07.10.2024
The number of electric cars on Swiss roads is steadily increasing. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s time for a change? Here you can find out if and when the switch is worthwhile – and what you need to bear in mind before you take the step into the future.
Key points at a glance
Higher cost up front, low operating costs: Electric cars are expensive to buy, but are generally cheaper in the long term due to lower spending and government subsidies.
Kinder to the environment: Thanks to efficient technology, electric cars have a better environmental footprint despite resource-intensive production.
Maintenance and value: the maintenance costs of electric cars are comparatively low, but there is still room for improvement when it comes to value retention.
Future-proof: Electric vehicles are the future – The sooner you become familiar with it, the better prepared you will be.
Electric cars are more expensive, but there are subsidies
The fact is that electric cars are still more expensive than comparable petrol-powered vehicles. There are several reasons for this. One of the main reasons for the higher price is the Commodities, which are required for a complex car battery. There is currently strong demand for these vehicles, which will affect the entire electric car market depending on suppliers and the associated Price fluctuations power.
Although there is no national funding programme to date, there are a large number of Support servicesto the benefit of e-users. You can see whether you too are benefiting from this on a map provided by the federal government. Some cantons subsidize electric cars with a tax bonus on vehicle tax. Vehicle taxes and bonuses can be viewed on the following map:
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Petrol vs. electricity: this is where you can save costs
But now to the really good news: Once the higher purchase price has been digested, you can quickly see how much more efficient an electric car is compared to a petrol-powered car. If you drive a lot, you also save a lot.
On cost comparison per 100 kilometres illustrates this efficiency. The calculation is based on surveys carried out by the Federal Government and the diesel and petrol prices compiled by TCS..
Petrol engines: in 2023, conventional petrol cars consumed an average of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. At a petrol price of around CHF 1.86 this results in a cost of CHF 12.50 per 100 kilometres.
Diesel: although this fuel is slightly more expensive than petrol, it is more efficient. A diesel vehicle needs around 6.28 litres to drive 100 kilometres. At a price of CHF 1.92 per litre, the cost amounts to around CHF 12.05 per 100 kilometres.
Electric vehicles: in 2023, the average electricity consumption of all-electric vehicles was 18 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres. Currently, a kilowatt hour costs 32.14 centimes. This results in costs of CHF 5.78 per 100 kilometres.. the fuel tax, which is part of what you pay every time you refuel, is also waived for electric cars.
The electric drive also wins from a purely energy point of view, as you read in our article “Efficiency: electric cars are much more efficient“. It explains how electric cars, combustion engines and fuel cell vehicles perform in comparison.
Maintenance costs: further savings potential
If you’ve ever had an electric car A look under the hood you’ve probably noticed: There’s a lot of less moving parts than with an internal combustion engine. This is usually reflected in significantly lower maintenance costs, as less can be sacrificed to wear and tear. In addition, various routine tasks – such as changing the oil – are eliminated.
But there’s also the fact that Repairs to electric cars fast expensive can be used. In our article “Electric car in the heat: how to keep cool and keep your battery efficient”, find out why you should pay particular attention to your e-car in midsummer.
It’s also important that you Driving style: the electric car. With predictive and steady riding, you’ll save on battery and electronics – and may also save on repair costs. It also increases the range. You can find more tips on using an electric car in our article “Driving an electric car: Tips for a successful first journey.
Environmental footprint: After four years, electric cars are leading the way
Which fuel type performs best in terms of the environment? Similar to the purchase costs, the decisive factor here is whether you think short-term or long-term. It is true that the Manufacture of the battery for electric cars very resource- and energy-intensive is. The mining and transportation of the required materials such as lithium and cobalt also have social and environmental impacts.
Nevertheless, it is a Myth that electric cars cause more CO2 than combustion engines. According to Naturschutz.ch, depending on the vehicle type, an electric car requires a mileage of between 26,000 and 80,000 kilometres to perform better than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine in terms of its life cycle assessment. In figures: After average four years an electric car should be have a better carbon footprint than a combustion engine.
Charging infrastructure: Is the socket ready?
Before purchasing an electric car, you should think about the infrastructure. Currently, most electric car owners charge their vehicle at home or at work. However, the network of “electric charging stations” is constantly being expanded. An interactive map from EnergieSchweiz, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and Swisstopo provides an overview of where electricity can be filled up outside the home anywhere in Switzerland:
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Depreciation: an area with some catching up to do
Electric cars have a slightly higher depreciation than combustion engines. However, mobility experts believe that this will soon change as electric cars become more popular. The most important factor in the case of a used electric car, the Battery. The smaller the loss of capacity, the higher the value of the vehicle. Find out how to determine this residual value and what you can do to positively influence the value of your electric car.
At Mobility: Try out 600 electric cars
Last but not least: The decision “electrical or not” depends on your personal experience or your level of knowledge. Are you already familiar with electric cars? Or have you been reluctant to get into an electric car? It’s a fact that It’s all about trying things outBecause “Personal success is the key to success”According to an experienced consultant from the mobility industry.
Did you know? With Mobility, you have more than 600 e-vehicles from economical city speedsters to practical vans and stylish Tesla. Register and off you go, with no monthly fees or annual subscription.