E‑Cars in Everyday Life: Advantages and Disadvantages in Switzerland

Electric cars (E‑cars) are becoming increasingly important — not only as an eco‑friendly alternative to combustion engine vehicles but also due to technological advances and a growing charging infrastructure. But how does using e‑cars in daily life really play out? What challenges exist, especially in Switzerland?

In this article we take a look at the pros and cons of e‑cars, the charging infrastructure in Switzerland, and the role of companies in promoting electromobility.

Advantages of E‑Cars in Everyday Life

Environmental friendliness
The most important advantage of an e‑car is its environmental friendliness. Compared to combustion‑engine vehicles, electric cars produce no direct CO₂ emissions and thus help reduce air pollution and CO₂ output. Especially in urban areas, where air quality and noise are often problematic, electromobility offers a clear improvement.

Lower operating costs
Electric cars are generally cheaper to operate than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The electricity cost per kilometre is significantly lower than fuel costs, and maintenance efforts and costs are reduced because many mechanical parts — such as spark plugs or exhaust systems — are absent.

Powerful and quiet
E‑cars offer a unique driving experience. They are not only quiet, but offer fast and smooth acceleration thanks to the instantly available torque. This results in a comfortable and seamless ride.

Tax advantages and incentives
In Switzerland there are numerous tax breaks and incentive programmes that make buying and operating e‑cars more attractive. This includes, in some cases, purchase premiums, discounts on parking fees in urban areas, and more favourable tax rates.

Disadvantages of E‑Cars in Everyday Life

Limited range
The range of electric cars is often still limited compared to combustion engine vehicles. Even if modern models offer ranges of up to 400‑500 km, there can be bottlenecks especially on longer trips or in rural areas where no charging options are available.

Charging times
Charging an e‑car takes significantly longer than refuelling a conventional vehicle. Even at fast charging stations, it often takes several minutes to hours, which can be inconvenient for spontaneous drives or longer journeys.

Charging infrastructure
Although Switzerland has greatly improved its charging infrastructure in recent years, there are still areas where charging coverage is patchy — especially in remote regions or on long-distance highway routes. Those who travel regularly long‑distance must plan their route and charging stops carefully.

High purchase costs
Electric cars are usually more expensive to purchase than petrol or diesel vehicles. The higher purchase price is, however, partly offset by lower operating costs and government subsidies.

Charging Infrastructure in Switzerland

Switzerland has in recent years invested heavily in expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In cities such as Zurich, Basel and Geneva there is now a well‑developed network of public charging stations; and even on motorways and in more rural areas the offering is increasingly better. Nevertheless, access to charging points in remote regions or during long‑distance journeys remains a challenge.

The introduction of fast‑charging stations, which significantly reduce charging times, as well as the integration of charging stations in hotels, shopping centres and large car parks help to close these gaps.

Conclusion: Electromobility in Everyday Life – Opportunities and Challenges

Electromobility offers many advantages, especially in urban areas, and is one of the best ways to reduce CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. The lower operating costs, environmentally friendly usage, and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure make e‑cars an attractive option for more and more people.

Nevertheless, there are also challenges — primarily the limited range and charging times, which still cannot fully compete with the advantages of combustion engine vehicles. Companies like Enterprise Rent‑A‑Car are actively working to make electromobility accessible to a wider population and provide a practical way to experience the benefits of electric vehicles without long‑term commitment. For example, via Enterprise GO it is even possible to rent an e‑car completely contactlessly.

With continuous improvements in battery technology and further expansion of charging infrastructure, electromobility will also become increasingly attractive for long‑distance travellers and rural areas.