Refueling and Charging in Switzerland

The key facts at a glance

• There is a good infrastructure for refuelling in Switzerland and charging electric cars in Switzerland.

• Petrol prices in Switzerland tend to be higher compared to the rest of Europe.

• The common payment methods at petrol stations are cash, credit card and mobile payments.

• The network of charging stations for electric cars is growing steadily, especially in cities and along motorways.

• To drive on motorways and expressways in Switzerland, you need a vignette. You can easily buy this from us online.

Refuelling in Switzerland

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Refuelling in Switzerland is uncomplicated. The largest petrol station operators include AGROLA, Ruedi Rüssel, AVIA, BP, Eni and Coop. These offer comprehensive coverage in both urban and rural areas. You'll usually find all common fuel types, snacks and services such as car washes. In Switzerland, fuel types are labelled as follows:

• Super: unleaded 95

• Super Plus: unleaded 98

• Diesel: diesel

The petrol station network is well developed, especially along motorways and in cities. In rural areas there are fewer petrol stations, but the supply is reliable there too. Petrol stations are generally open daily and offer all the usual services.

Fuel prices in Switzerland tend to be on the higher end compared to the rest of Europe. For diesel and petrol, you often pay a bit more than in Germany or Austria. Nevertheless, it's worth comparing prices, as these can vary depending on the region and petrol station. Prices are often higher, especially in tourist areas and at motorway service stations. Want to refuel as cheaply as possible in Switzerland? Then it's best to use price comparison apps such as ADAC Spritpreise to find the cheapest petrol stations. At most petrol stations, you can pay with cash (Swiss francs), credit card or mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet). Many petrol stations also accept euros.

Charging an electric car in Switzerland

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The network of charging stations is being steadily expanded. This is making it easier and easier to charge electric cars in Switzerland. You'll find charging stations especially in cities, along motorways and near large shopping centres (particularly in urban centres and along major traffic routes). There are particularly many charging points in:

• Zurich

• Geneva

• Bern

• Lausanne

• Basel

Among the best-known and most widespread charging station providers in Switzerland are Swisscharge, Move, eCarUp, TCS eCharge and EVPass. To access the charging points, you need either a charging card or an app from the respective provider. These allow you to use the charging stations and handle payment.
The cost of charging an electric car depends on the provider and the charging speed. Standard charging points are cheaper than fast-charging points. Payment is usually made via apps or charging cards, and some providers also offer direct payment by credit card. Prices vary significantly depending on the provider, tariff and charging capacity; at fast-charging points, you often pay CHF 0.60 per kWh or more. The app or the charging station will show you the current price before you start charging.

Practical tips for your journey

If you're driving in Switzerland, there are a few things you should bear in mind:

• Rural areas: The network of petrol stations, and especially charging stations, is somewhat sparser here. So research your stops in advance and plan them specifically into your route.

• Cities and tourist areas: In cities and tourist areas such as Interlaken or St. Moritz, the availability of petrol stations and charging points is good. However, keep in mind that prices may be higher in tourist hotspots, and there may be waiting times.

• Apps for planning and price comparison: Apps such as Electromaps or PlugShare help you quickly find the nearest charging station. For regular petrol stations, you can simply use Google Maps. In addition, price comparison apps (such as ADAC Spritpreise) help you check and compare prices at different petrol stations.

• Traffic rules: The speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on country roads, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on motorways. There is a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille (0.1 per mille for new drivers and professional drivers), as well as a requirement to have your lights on. Your daytime running lights must be switched on even during the day.

• Don't forget your vignette: To drive on motorways and expressways in Switzerland, you need a vignette. You can easily buy your vignette for Switzerland from us online.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Refuelling in Switzerland and charging an electric car in Switzerland are generally uncomplicated and convenient. Just make sure to roughly plan your route in advance to avoid any supply issues in rural areas. With the right planning, helpful apps and a valid vignette, you can start your journey completely worry-free!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment exploring the country's impressive natural scenery. Please find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. You can find detailed information on toll regulations in our article on tolls in Switzerland. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.