A new analysis by the online platform AutoScout24 shows that more and more people in Switzerland are interested in cars with alternative fuel types. Falling prices make these cars even more attractive. But despite growing climate discussions, SUVs remain very popular.
In the first half of 2025, the number of listings for cars with alternative fuel types on AutoScout24 went up again. This trend had already become clear earlier in the year. Back then, Matthias Bischof, Director Business Customers at AutoScout24 (part of SMG Swiss Marketplace Group), said that stricter CO2 targets would encourage car dealers to offer more eco-friendly models.
The biggest increase was seen in new plug-in hybrids (+15.5%), followed by mild hybrids (+12.6%) and fully electric cars (+8.6%). The second-hand market also showed similar developments: mild hybrids (+19.2%) and plug-in hybrids (+14.5%) became more common. “We see that people in Switzerland are becoming more open to hybrid drive systems,” says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director of AutoScout24.
SUVs are still the top choice
Even with more talk about sustainability, SUVs continue to be the most popular type of car on AutoScout24. In the first half of the year, over 40’000 new and more than 150’000 used SUVs were listed on the platform. That’s a rise of 3.4% for new SUVs and 5.4% for used ones compared to the same period last year. The much-discussed SUV tax doesn’t seem to affect demand. Minivans also became more popular, with listings rising by 6.7% for new and 7.3% for used vehicles. Among new cars, the Škoda Fabia, VW Golf and VW Polo were the most listed. For used cars, the VW Golf, Škoda Octavia and VW Tiguan stayed on top.
Prices under pressure
At the start of the year, Matthias Bischof had predicted that more supply would lead to lower prices in the used car market – a forecast that is now reflected in the figures. While average prices for new cars rose slightly to CHF 61’551 (+1.2% compared to the second half of 2024), prices for used cars dropped to CHF 37’481 (–0.3%). The biggest drop was seen in electric cars: used ones were 4.1% cheaper on average. New electric cars also got cheaper, with prices falling by 5.4% to around CHF 57’436. On the other hand, prices for new plug-in hybrids (+5.6%) and mild hybrids (+4.6%) went up.
Data Basis
The analysis looked at car listings on AutoScout24 from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2025. It compares the first half of 2024, the second half of 2024, and the first half of 2025. The data is based on ads published on autoscout24.ch and grouped by vehicle condition (new or used), drive type (such as petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid), and vehicle type (such as SUV, compact, saloon, estate, minivan). For the price comparison, average listed prices during each period were used.
Saskia Iten
PR & Communication Manager
