What electric cars pay in motor vehicle tax in Geneva, how the tax is calculated and what is changing.
Since 2025, battery-electric cars in Geneva pay a base tax of CHF 120 plus a surcharge based on kerb weight: nothing up to 1,400 kg, then CHF 50 to 1,400. Combustion cars and hybrids also pay CHF 120, but with a surcharge based on CO2 emissions. Because plug-in hybrids have low CO2 ratings, they often pay less than a heavy electric car; the Grand Council has asked for this to be corrected.
Base tax of CHF 120 for all passenger cars (up to 9 seats). Surcharge based on kerb weight for 100 % electric or hydrogen cars, and on CO2 emissions for combustion cars and hybrids (CHF 0.25 per g/km up to 120 g, up to CHF 12 per g/km above 300 g). Legal basis: Art. 415 of the general public levies act (LCP, rsGE D 3 05), approved by popular vote on 3 March 2024, in force since 1 January 2025.
For 100 % electric or hydrogen passenger cars, Art. 415(1) and (2) LCP provides: a CHF 120 base tax plus a surcharge based on kerb weight. No surcharge up to 1,400 kg; 1,401 to 1,650 kg CHF 50; 1,651 to 1,750 kg CHF 100; 1,751 to 1,900 kg CHF 200; 1,901 to 2,100 kg CHF 400; 2,101 to 2,300 kg CHF 600; 2,301 to 2,400 kg CHF 800; 2,401 to 2,500 kg CHF 1,100; 2,501 to 2,600 kg CHF 1,200; over 2,600 kg CHF 1,400. Electric cars pay no CO2 surcharge. The rule has no time limit. Since 2025 the 50 % bonus for electric and hydrogen vehicles applies only to vans, lorries and motorcycles, not to passenger cars. Transitional rule: for cars last registered before 1 January 2025, the tax for 2025 to 2027 may not exceed 200 % of the amount under the old system.
Plug-in hybrids count as 'combustion cars (including hybrids)' and pay CHF 120 plus a CO2 surcharge based on their type-approval CO2 value (up to 120 g/km: CHF 0.25 per g/km). They pay no weight surcharge. Because of their low official ratings they therefore often pay less than a heavy electric car; this imbalance is the subject of the motion referred to the government in September 2026.
On 3 September 2026 the Grand Council adopted a motion asking the Council of State for a draft law to smooth out threshold effects, correct the low taxation of hybrids and extend the transitional cap (tax at most doubled) by one year to 2028. Councillor of State Pierre Maudet has promised a draft by the end of 2026. In addition, in June 2026 the administrative court of first instance (TAPI) found fault with how the CO2 surcharge is calculated; the canton has appealed. Both points directly affect only combustion cars and hybrids. From 2027 a CHF 200 surcharge also applies to combustion cars below the Euro 3 standard.
Reines Elektroauto mit Leergewicht zwischen 1751 und 1900 kg (Personenwagen, Steuerjahr 2025/2026): CHF 120 Grundsteuer + CHF 200 Gewichtszuschlag gemäss Tarif in Art. 415 LCP: CHF 320 per year (source)
The September 2026 motion and the appeal against the TAPI rulings are documented only by media reports (LFM). Whether a plug-in hybrid actually pays less than an electric car depends on the model; the statement rests on the statutory tariff and the reasoning of the motion.
The Auto-Check works out how much you save overall with an electric car, using your own assumptions.
As of: September 2026. All information without guarantee. The tax bill and the cantonal road traffic office are authoritative.
