According to the Association of Swiss Automobile Importers, in 2024, rechargeable vehicles, whether hybrid or 100% electric, accounted for almost a third of new registrations in French-speaking Switzerland. This is a significant figure, which nevertheless marks a stagnation compared to the previous year.
To encourage Swiss property owners to move towards electric vehicles and thus contribute to reducing overall CO2 emissions, the Confederation and the cantons have implemented a set of subsidies to help with the installation of charging infrastructure. Here is an overview of the aid you could be eligible for and how to apply for a charging station subsidy.
Financial Aid for Charging Stations: Subsidies by Canton
Swiss property owners can claim subsidies for charging stations, or their prior installation, in several cantons. We have listed the aid offered, canton by canton.
Situation with subsidies for private charging infrastructure in the canton of Geneva
Since February 1, 2024, the canton of Geneva offers property owners of buildings with a minimum of 5 dwellings to finance up to 50% of the electrical installation in parking spaces, with a decreasing amount which we describe below. Financial aid covers from the connection to the electricity meter to the parking spaces, including connection works to the meter, the purchase and installation of the infrastructure.
Note that the amount of this subsidy cannot exceed 20,000 CHF per equipped parking lot and that the installation of the terminals can begin the day after the aid application is sent (with all required supporting documents). This can be sent by the building owner or by an authorized representative via a form available on the canton of Geneva website, where all conditions for obtaining the subsidy are also listed.
How to calculate your charging station subsidy in Geneva?
Geneva's aid system operates on a decreasing calculation. For 5 to 10 spaces, you can claim 500 CHF per space, then 300 from the 11th to the 30th space, then 250 from the 31st space onwards.
Assuming your car park has 45 spaces, your aid calculation would be as follows:
Situation with subsidies for private charging infrastructure in the canton of Vaud
Since May 1, 2025, the canton of Vaud no longer subsidizes the installation of charging stations for property owners. However, it still offers aid for electrical installation for buildings with at least three parking spaces (with C1 or C2 level installation according to SIA 2060 technical specification) and built before 2021.
This subsidy, which covers up to 50% of installation costs, can reach 100,000 CHF per building. Thus, it provides a lower amount than Geneva per parking space, but allows more to be financed.
The aid offered by the canton of Vaud for electrical installations operates on a decreasing system that provides:
- 400 CHF per space from the 1st to the 20th space,
- 300 CHF per space from the 21st to the 30th space
- 200 CHF per space from the 31st space onwards
The subsidy application must be sent via the dedicated website of the canton of Vaud.
How to calculate your charging station subsidy in the canton of Vaud?
Assuming your car park has 45 spaces, your aid calculation would be as follows:
Situation with subsidies for charging infrastructure in the canton of Neuchâtel
Since July 1, 2024, the canton of Neuchâtel has extended its subsidy for the installation of charging stations to all natural and legal persons, municipalities, and certain public law institutions. Even a tenant investing in the installation of a charging station with the agreement of an eligible owner can also benefit.
This financial aid for charging stations amounts to 800 CHF per installed station. The application must be submitted after the work has been completed, once the safety report for the installation has been issued, certifying compliance with the Low Voltage Electrical Installations Ordinance (OIBT). The subsidy application must be made no later than 6 months after the work completion date on the canton of Neuchâtel website.
Subsidies for private charging infrastructure in the canton of Bern
Bern plans a subsidy for the so-called "basic" infrastructure for charging electric vehicles in covered parking lots (or garages) that were legally authorized before 2023. Basic infrastructure includes, among other things, grid connection, electrical distribution (busbar or electrical rail), and communication infrastructure, corresponding to equipment level C1 «Power to garage/parking» of SIA technical specification 2060.
To be eligible for this subsidy of 250 CHF per space, covered parking lots must include at least 10 parking spaces. The aid provided by Bern covers up to 35% of the total installation cost and becomes digressive after 200,000 CHF.
To apply for a subsidy and obtain more information on this subsidy for an electric car charging station, please visit the dedicated page of the canton of Bern.
Subsidies for private charging infrastructure in the canton of Zurich
Like the majority of cantons, Zurich no longer provides subsidies for the installation of a charging station, but offers aid for the development of basic infrastructure for electric vehicles for property owners. This includes supply lines, distribution, and load management systems.
To benefit from this subsidy, extension level C1 must be reached in accordance with SIA 2060 technical sheet. Only buildings constructed in 2023 or before are concerned. The subsidy works according to the following scale:
- Up to 15 parking spaces: 500 CHF per space
- Beyond the 15th space: 300 CHF per space
For more information and to submit a funding application for a charging station for a company or property owner, visit the canton of Zurich website.
How to calculate your charging station subsidy in the canton of Zurich?
Assuming your car park has 45 spaces, your aid calculation would be as follows:
Subsidies for private charging infrastructure in the canton of Basel
From July 2024 to the end of 2030, the canton of Basel offers to finance up to 60% of basic installations for C1 or C2 level charging station installation in parking lots without public access. The subsidy can reach 1,300 CHF per charging station.
The subsidy includes, among other things, installation including drilling and coring, load management, installation of an electricity meter, and civil engineering works.
Subsidies for private charging infrastructure: summary table
| Canton | Amount for 10 spaces max. | Amount after 30 spaces | Charging station included? | Maximum subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | 500/space | 250/space | No | 20,000 CHF |
| Vaud | 400/space | 200/space | No | 100,000 CHF |
| Neuchâtel | 800/space | 800/space | Yes | / |
| Bern | 250/space | 250/space | No | Regressive beyond 200,000 CHF |
| Zurich | 500/space | 300/space | No | / |
Subsidies for private charging infrastructure in other Swiss cantons
Some cantons do not have or no longer have subsidy programs for the installation of electric charging stations. These include:
- Valais: support program ended in September 2022
- Canton of Fribourg: quota reached at the beginning of 2023
- Jura: the charging station subsidy is not part of the Buildings 2025 program.
How to prepare your charging station subsidy application
Here are our tips for preparing your application properly and ensuring you benefit from the subsidies:
- ✅ Build a flawless application: don't skimp on details
- ✅ Correctly complete technical declarations, including expert reports. The advisory phase can also be financed by the cantons.
- ✅ Submit the application before installation
- ✅ Ensure deadlines are respected
Charging station subsidies: frequently asked questions
Are there subsidies for installing charging stations in Switzerland?
Yes, several Swiss cantons and municipalities offer financial aid for installing charging stations, particularly for multi-occupancy buildings or businesses.
What are the conditions for obtaining a subsidy?
Conditions vary by region, but generally, the installation must be carried out by a professional and comply with current standards (e.g., OIBT, collective planning for buildings).
Where can one apply for a subsidy?
Applications are generally made to the canton, municipality, or via programs like ProKilowatt.