The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is well underway, and Switzerland is driving change by offering enticing incentives to bolster its EV charging infrastructure. From the picturesque Canton of Bern to the bustling City of Baden, various regions across the country are encouraging the growth of EV charging networks. Let’s explore these initiatives and understand how they’re electrifying Switzerland’s roads.

Canton of Bern

In the Bern Energy Promotion program, the focus is on companies. They are encouraged to install publicly accessible charging stations, with funding covering charging points ranging from 11-22 kW to those exceeding 22 kW. The funding is impressive, offering a maximum of 35% of the investment costs. However, this support is capped at CHF 20,000 per charging station and CHF 60,000 per business location. The best part? There’s no deadline, providing ample time for businesses to join the EV revolution.

Canton of Geneva

Moving west to Geneva, the spotlight shifts to residential areas. Here, subsidies are provided for charging stations on individual parking spaces in single or multi-family houses. These incentives can go up to CHF 2,000, empowering homeowners to embrace EVs. What’s more, there’s no deadline, ensuring flexibility for those considering the shift to electric mobility.

Canton of Zurich

The Canton of Zurich offers a range of incentives and funding opportunities to make EV charging infrastructure more accessible. Whether you own a single-family home, manage a commercial fleet, or are a municipality looking to install publicly accessible charging stations, Zurich has tailored programs to support your transition to electric mobility.

Home charging

Installing a charging station at home is often the first step in going electric. However, it can be challenging, especially in multi-family properties. Zurich offers support for expanding the basic infrastructure needed for charging stations in parking spaces in single- and multi-family homes. This support applies whether you’re retrofitting existing buildings or planning new constructions.

Funding:

  • Up to 15 parking spaces: CHF 500 per parking space
  • From the 16th parking space: CHF 300 per additional parking space

Conditions for Funding:

  • The basic infrastructure is supported up to the horizontal supply line directly above the parking spaces.
  • If there are two connected parking spaces, a local load management system is used.
  • Only one application per parking facility is possible.
  • The parking spaces must serve private use in existing or newly constructed buildings.

Electric Vehicle as a storage (V2G)

Bidirectional charging stations allow your EV to feed electricity back into the grid, serving as an energy storage device. Zurich supports the installation of these stations in private parking spaces in single- or multi-family homes, whether existing or newly built.

Funding lump sum: CHF 2,000 per bi-directional charging station

Conditions for Funding:

  • The basic infrastructure is supported up to the horizontal supply line directly above the parking spaces.
  • If there are two connected parking spaces, a local load management system is used.
  • Only one application per parking facility is possible.
  • Funding is available for resident parking spaces.

Residential charging

Even if you don’t have a private parking space, Zurich supports the installation of charging stations in publicly accessible parking spaces for residents.

Funding:

  • Funding rate: 30% of the proven costs
  • Maximum contribution: CHF 60,000 per application

Conditions for Funding:

  • The municipality must have created an e-mobility concept for publicly accessible charging stations within the municipality.
  • The complete basic infrastructure up to and including the charging station is funded.
  • Fast charging stations (over 22 kW) are excluded from funding.
  • If there are two connected parking spaces, a local load management system is used.
  • Only one application per municipality is possible.

AC Charging Stations for Park+Ride Facilities and Car Sharing Locations

Zurich encourages the installation of AC charging stations in park+ride facilities and car sharing locations, promoting efficient and sustainable urban transportation solutions.

Funding:

  • Funding rate: 30% of the proven costs
  • Maximum contribution: CHF 60,000 per application

Conditions for Funding:

  • The basic infrastructure is supported up to the horizontal supply line directly above the parking spaces.
  • If there are two connected parking spaces, a local load management system is used.
  • Only one application per parking facility is possible.
  • The parking spaces must serve the company’s business fleet (passenger and commercial vehicles) and correspond to the number of all business vehicles.

These funding opportunities make Zurich a great place to embrace electric mobility, whether you’re an individual looking to charge at home, a municipality enhancing public charging infrastructure, or a company electrifying your fleet. For detailed guidance and application processes, contact Zurich’s experts at 0800 93 93 93 or energiefoerderung@bd.zh.ch. Zurich’s commitment to sustainability starts with you, and these incentives are designed to accelerate your transition to electric vehicles.

Canton Ticino

In Ticino, the focus is on both residential and workplace charging solutions. The funding covers the installation of charging stations for private use or the workplace. Individuals or companies can receive support of up to CHF 500 per charging station. With no deadlines in sight, Ticino residents and businesses have the freedom to make the EV transition at their own pace.

Canton Thurgau

Thurgau’s Energie 2023 funding program directs its attention to multi-unit dwellings. They offer financial support covering 25% of the investment costs for the installation of charging stations. There’s no rush, as there’s no deadline for this residential initiative.

City of Gland: Public Charging Support

For public charging infrastructure, look no further than the City of Gland. They encourage the installation of public charging stations by offering 20% of the purchase price as a subsidy, capped at CHF 2,000 per terminal. This open-armed approach fosters a network of publicly accessible charging points, making EVs a more viable choice for residents and visitors alike.

In Switzerland, the EV movement is not just a trend; it’s a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. These incentives, spread across different regions, are a testament to Switzerland’s dedication to electrifying its transportation sector. Whether you’re a business in Bern, a homeowner in Geneva, or a municipality in Baden, Switzerland’s incentives are here to empower you on your journey towards a cleaner, greener future. So, charge up, Switzerland, and let’s drive change together!

Author

Ivelina Kadiri

Policy Compliance Manager

About the author

Ivelina is a trend-seeking policy compliance manager who skillfully navigates complex regulatory landscapes and bridges the gap between sustainable transportation goals and actionable implementation.