In 2024, sales of hybrid vehicles jumped by 17% in Switzerland, while those of electric cars fell by 12.5%, according to Auto-Suisse. The difficulties of recharging and the prices charged explain this development in particular.
“If there are no terminals, we are not going to buy an electric car,” testifies a driver in the 7:30 p.m. Faced with the owner’s refusal to install a charging station in his building, Danielle ultimately preferred to buy a hybrid car.
This retiree also mentions the charging station in the P+R car park near her home “always busy”. Of course, she could have charged her car from home with an adapter, but “it takes time”. And “running a cable through the window would be a bit complicated”.
>> Read also: The market share of electric cars declines in 2024 in Switzerland
Easy to use
Responsible for Emil Frey at Les Vernets in Geneva, dealer Urs Burger confirms the success of hybrid vehicles. In 2024, three out of four vehicles sold in this garage were of this type.
According to the dealer, customers are particularly looking for “quiet driving”. With a hybrid car, “you don’t need to worry about driving electric or gasoline, there is no button to activate, the computer does everything.”
>> Charlotte Onfroy-Barrier’s explanations in the 7:30 p.m.
Customers attracted by price
Another advantage: the purchase price. For example, we find a hybrid model at 30,000 francs, or 2,000 francs more than its gasoline version, but above all 10,000 francs less than the electric equivalent.
The fact remains that a hybrid vehicle weighs more than an electric vehicle and still relies heavily on the thermal engine. Enough to avoid loading at the terminal, but not going to the pump.
Manufacturers adapt their strategies
Manufacturers, who have often focused on all-electric vehicles in recent years, have also understood this development and are adapting their strategies. Thus, Stellantis announced on Friday that the priority for the year 2025 would be to increase the number of hybrid versions on the models of all its brands, such as Opel, Citroën or Fiat. Renault and Toyota have also taken a head start on this type of engine.
The brands also have the deadline of 2035 in their sights, with the end of the putting into circulation of new gasoline vehicles, following the wishes of the European Union. Brands will only be able to market zero-emission vehicles, favoring electric vehicles.
>> Review the ABE topic:
TV topic: Charlotte Onfroy-Barrier
Adaptation web: Julie Liardet
