Electric
EV tax breaks canton by canton
Tax breaks for electric cars differ a lot from canton to canton — from full exemption to the normal vehicle tax, everything exists. We show you canton by canton where electric cars are favoured and how much you can save each year.
What does the vehicle tax cost for EVs, canton by canton?
In Switzerland the vehicle tax (Motorfahrzeugsteuer) is set by each canton. That means: depending on where you live, you pay a different amount for your electric car — or nothing at all. Here is an overview of the most common models:
| Canton | Tax for EVs | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | 0 % | Time-limited, regularly extended |
| Bern (BE) | 0 % | Time-limited, regularly extended |
| Geneva (GE) | 0 % | Time-limited until 2030 |
| Vaud (VD) | 0 % | Time-limited |
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| Basel-Landschaft (BL) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| Aargau (AG) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| St. Gallen (SG) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| Lucerne (LU) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| Ticino (TI) | Reduced | Partially reduced |
| Valais (VS) | Normal | No specific relief for electric cars |
| Grisons (GR) | Normal | No specific relief for electric cars |
How much do you save per year?
The saving depends on the canton and on the vehicle. In cantons that tax normally, the annual vehicle tax for a mid-size car is typically between 150 and 400 francs. In a canton that exempts electric cars you save that amount in full.
Over 10 years of use that easily adds up to 2,000 to 4,000 francs of tax in an exempting canton — money you do not pay as an EV driver.
What other tax advantages do EVs have?
- Investment deduction for companies: Electric vehicles can be written off against income tax.
- Subsidised wallboxes: Some cantons and municipalities subsidise the installation of charging points.
- Reduced vehicle tax for hybrids: Plug-in hybrids also get partial relief in many cantons.
Buying an EV from FlexiMoto
At FlexiMoto you will find electric and hybrid vehicles with complete documentation. Whether or not you live in a canton that exempts electric cars — the low running costs of an EV show up either way. Browse the marketplace now and put together the matching financing straight away.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the vehicle tax for electric cars?
Many cantons charge a heavily reduced vehicle tax for electric cars, or none at all. Examples: Zurich and Bern charge 0 %, Geneva and Vaud likewise 0 %. In cantons without a reduction you pay the normal tax, which depending on the canton can be between CHF 50 and 500 per year.
Are there tax breaks for companies with electric fleets?
Yes. Companies investing in electric vehicles can benefit from various tax advantages, depending on the canton. Charging privately at the workplace also often counts as a benefit in kind that is treated favourably for tax purposes. The details should be clarified with a tax adviser.
How long do the tax breaks for electric cars last?
Most cantons have put a time limit on their tax reductions for electric cars — often until 2025, until 2030, or with regular extensions. Check the rules currently in force with the road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) of your canton of residence, as the deadlines can change at short notice.
Related guides
- EV energy consumption – What do 100 km on electricity cost?
- Bidirectional charging – V2H and V2G explained.
- Vehicle tax – Canton comparison for every drivetrain.
- Electric cars in the marketplace – Discover EVs with a tax advantage.