Refueling and Charging in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and a well-developed infrastructure. That makes driving a pleasure! But what should you know when it comes to refueling in Switzerland or charging your electric car in Switzerland? In this article you will learn everything you need to know about petrol stations, charging stations and driving in Switzerland.

The most important information at a glance

• There is a good infrastructure for refueling 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 the motorways.

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

Refueling in Switzerland

Refueling in Switzerland is straightforward. Among the largest petrol station operators are AGROLA, Ruedi Rüssel, AVIA, BP, Eni and Coop. These offer comprehensive coverage in both urban and rural areas. You will generally find all common fuels, snacks and services such as car washes. The names for fuel in Switzerland are as follows:

• Super: Unleaded 95

• Super Plus: Unleaded 98

• Diesel: Diesel

The network of petrol stations is well developed, especially along the motorways and in cities. In rural areas there are fewer petrol stations, but supply is also reliable there. Petrol stations are usually open daily and offer all common 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 somewhat more than in Germany or Austria. Nevertheless, it is worth comparing prices, as these can vary depending on the region and petrol station. Prices are often higher especially in tourist areas and along motorways. Do you 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 most affordable 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

The network of charging stations is being steadily expanded. This is making charging an electric car in Switzerland ever easier. You will find charging stations especially in cities, along motorways and near large shopping centers (particularly in urban centers 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 gain access to the charging stations, 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 stations are cheaper than fast charging stations. Payment is usually made via apps or charging cards; some providers also offer direct payment by credit card. Typical costs range between 0.30 and 0.50 CHF per kWh.

Practical tips for your journey

When driving in Switzerland, there are a few particularities you should keep in mind:

• Rural areas: The network of petrol stations, and especially of charging stations, is somewhat sparser here. Therefore, 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 supply of petrol stations and charging stations is good. However, be aware that prices can be higher in tourist hotspots or that waiting times may occur.

• 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 (e.g. ADAC Spritpreise) help you check and compare the prices of different petrol stations.

• Traffic rules: The speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on country roads and 120 km/h on motorways. A strict blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille applies, as does a requirement to use lights. Your daytime running lights must be switched on even during the day.

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

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Refueling in Switzerland and charging an electric car in Switzerland are generally straightforward and convenient. Just make sure to plan your route roughly in advance so you don't run into 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 journey to Switzerland and lots of fun exploring the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. 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 trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.