Vehicle fleet Switzerland: data updated in September 2026

Context

In brief

• National stock of 7,138,323 vehicles as of September 2026.
• Total new registrations equal to 249,481 units.
• Used vehicle imports stood at 42,616 units.

Key facts

National stock: 7,138,323. New registrations: 249,481. Used imports: 42,616. Electric stock: 366,267. Gasoline stock: 3,676,466. Diesel stock: 1,907,128. Plug-in hybrid stock: 686,143. Reference date: 2026-09.

The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO/ASTRA) has published the official monitoring report regarding the circulating vehicle fleet and registration flows, updated to September 2026. The survey captures a national mobility landscape totaling 7,138,323 vehicles on the road. The breakdown by fuel type shows a clear prevalence of gasoline vehicles, reaching 3,676,466 units, followed by diesel engines with 1,907,128 vehicles. The new technology sector shows significant penetration, with 366,267 electric vehicles and 686,143 plug-in hybrids recorded in the total national stock. The monthly flows for September highlight dynamic activity, with 249,481 total new registrations and 42,616 imports of used vehicles. The FEDRO monitoring system, based on IVZ open data, allows for a detailed analysis of vehicle distribution across the Swiss territory, providing an essential statistical basis for understanding the evolution of mobility habits among residents and businesses. The structure of Swiss mobility thus appears to be in a transition phase, where the traditional internal combustion fleet coexists with a growing fleet of electric or hybrid propulsion vehicles, reflecting user purchasing choices recorded throughout the year.

National data analysis

The aggregate national data underscores the resilience of the circulating fleet, which maintains a broad and diversified base. New registrations, focused primarily on gasoline (77,028) and plug-in hybrid models (77,899), indicate a consolidated preference for plug-in hybrid engines over purely electric ones (47,900) in the reference month. Used vehicle importers continue to move constant volumes, with the gasoline segment also dominating this secondary market with 16,778 units imported in September 2026, confirming a persistent interest in classic combustion engines even among second-hand vehicles. To consult further statistical details, you can refer to the dedicated dashboard.

Operational details

Cantonal comparison: structural differences

The regional comparison highlights significant disparities in the distribution of the vehicle fleet and purchasing habits. The Canton of Zurich confirms itself as the most populous in terms of vehicles, with a stock of 1,057,680 units and 71,714 electric vehicles, ranking first for volumes of new registrations (38,255) and used imports (9,421). At the opposite end, cantons like Appenzell Innerrhoden have a smaller fleet, with 35,061 total units and 1,889 electric ones. The dynamics between the cantons reflect different population densities and territorial configurations: the Canton of Bern, with 847,131 vehicles, follows Zurich in fleet size, while the Canton of Ticino records 336,430 vehicles with 12,967 electric ones. It is interesting to observe how medium-sized cantons like Vaud (620,828 vehicles) and Aargau (620,514 vehicles) show almost identical circulating fleets, despite differences in the number of electric vehicles, which in Vaud reach 33,931 compared to 32,859 in Aargau. The pace of new registrations appears particularly strong in cantons like Geneva (13,642) and St. Gallen (13,068), where charging infrastructure and local policies play a fundamental role in the spread of new propulsion technologies. The import of used vehicles is a widespread phenomenon, with significant volumes even in smaller cantons, testifying to a secondary market that knows no regional borders. The distribution of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in the stock clearly reflects the local market's absorption capacity regarding new technological offerings.

Regional market dynamics

Analyzing the ASTRA data, it is noted that the Canton of Zurich dominates not only in absolute volume but also in the fleet turnover rate, with a high number of new registrations compared to the national average. Conversely, alpine cantons like Uri (33,518 total vehicles) or Obwalden (39,580 total vehicles) show greater stability, with a lower propensity for used imports, with 142 and 186 imported vehicles respectively. This heterogeneous picture across the 26 cantons allows for mapping differentiated mobility needs, ranging from high-density metropolitan areas to mountain regions, where the required type of traction must often contend with more complex orographic conditions and different average daily distances.

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Key points

Practical implications for mobility

Understanding ASTRA data is essential for anyone living or working in Switzerland, as the vehicle fleet directly impacts daily mobility choices and vehicle operating costs. Those considering the purchase of a new vehicle should note that, at a national level, options are diversifying rapidly. The availability of over 686,000 plug-in hybrids in the total stock indicates that this technology has become a solid choice for those seeking a compromise between urban electric mobility and long-distance range. For workers who travel significant distances between cantons daily, monitoring the vehicle fleet allows for the assessment of market trends, which is also useful when reselling or evaluating the residual value of one's vehicle. It is important to remember that mobility choices have direct impacts on personal finances, including not only the purchase price but also maintenance and insurance costs, variables that can differ based on the chosen drivetrain. Consulting the official data from the Federal Roads Office is a necessary first step for those wishing to plan their mobility budget consciously, comparing average costs and the most common vehicle types in their canton of residence. For more accurate financial planning that takes into account transportation expenses within the context of the cost of living in Switzerland, you can use the tools provided to analyze your salary calculator and balance income with expected vehicle maintenance expenses. Finally, the growing share of electric vehicles in the stock indicates that planning your daily commute must increasingly integrate the availability of charging stations, a factor that is becoming decisive in choosing the car model best suited to your professional and personal needs.

Source: astra.admin.ch