Swiss Car Market Stalls as EV Sales Surge.
Switzerland’s car market remained largely unchanged during the first five months of 2026, as rising demand for electric vehicles helped offset declining sales of traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars.
According to figures released by Auto Schweiz, approximately 91,300 new vehicles were registered between January and May 2026. This total is nearly identical to the number recorded during the same period last year, indicating that the overall market has stagnated despite significant changes in consumer preferences.
The strongest growth came from electric mobility. Registrations of fully electric vehicles increased by 15.5% compared with the first five months of 2025. Plug-in hybrid vehicles performed even better, recording a 20.1% increase over the same period.
Industry experts attribute the growing popularity of electric vehicles partly to higher fuel prices and increasing consumer interest in environmentally friendly transportation. Improved charging infrastructure and a wider range of electric vehicle models have also contributed to stronger demand.
Meanwhile, traditional combustion-engine vehicles continued to lose market share. New registrations of petrol and diesel-powered cars declined further, reflecting the ongoing shift toward cleaner technologies and lower-emission transport solutions.
The latest figures highlight the transformation taking place within Switzerland’s automotive sector. While overall vehicle sales have remained stable, the composition of the market is changing rapidly as more buyers choose electric and hybrid alternatives.
Auto Schweiz noted that the growth in electric vehicle sales was essential in maintaining overall market stability. Without the strong performance of electric and plug-in hybrid models, the Swiss car market would likely have recorded a decline.
As Switzerland continues its transition toward sustainable mobility, electric vehicles are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the country’s transport sector.