AXA Mobility Barometer 2026: Internal-Combustion Engines Lose Ground, Electric Cars Gain Ground

The AXA Mobility Barometer 2026, compiled in collaboration with the Sotomo research institute, paints a clear picture: The Swiss public is more cost-conscious than ever when buying a car. At the same time, the internal combustion engine continues to lose support, while electric cars—especially those from Asia—are gaining ground. The survey is based on responses from 1,788 people in German- and French-speaking Switzerland, who were surveyed between April 9 and 20, 2026.

Cost is the primary factor in purchasing decisions

The cost of a car is by far the most important factor in the purchasing decision: 76 percent of respondents say they will place particular emphasis on this factor when buying their next car. Two years ago, that figure was 67 percent. Most other criteria—from comfort to safety to environmental friendliness—have either remained unchanged or lost relevance over the same period.

Of all people who plan to buy a car again at some point, 35 percent are currently postponing the purchase due to cost concerns. Of these, 15 percent answer with a clear «yes,» and another 20 percent with «somewhat yes.» Young people and those with low incomes are particularly affected: Among 18- to 35-year-olds, 49 percent are postponing a car purchase, and among those with an equivalence income of 4,000 Swiss francs or less per month, the figure is as high as 51 percent. But even among those with an income of over 8,000 francs per month, one-quarter are postponing the purchase. “The current volatile geopolitical and economic situation seems to be unsettling the public, causing many to be cautious about major purchases such as buying a car,” says Michael Hermann, managing director of Sotomo.

If people do buy a car, many opt for a used model: 58 percent choose this strategy to save money. Others opt for a more affordable brand (27 %), a smaller vehicle (26 %), a model with fewer optional features (23 %), or a powertrain with lower upfront costs (18 %). Only 14 percent consider flexible options such as leasing or a car subscription. On average, the budget for the next car purchase is around 30,000 Swiss francs—with men budgeting an average of about 10,000 Swiss francs more than women.

Internal-combustion engines are losing ground, while electric cars are gaining ground

Purchasing intentions have shifted significantly over the course of a year. Only 39 percent of people who plan to buy a car at some point intend to purchase a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle—down from 48 percent the previous year and 47 percent in 2024. Electric cars, on the other hand, are gaining ground: 30 percent of prospective buyers plan to purchase an electric car, up from 25 percent in 2025. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are also growing in popularity, rising from 27 to 31 percent.

Overall openness toward electric cars has generally remained stable: 61 percent say they can, in principle, imagine buying an electric car. A key driver of this trend is the rise in fuel prices resulting from geopolitical tensions. Forty-six percent of respondents say that high gas prices have influenced their willingness to choose an electric car for their next purchase. «People apparently view electric cars as a way to protect themselves against geopolitical tensions and the resulting high fuel prices,» explains Michael Hermann.

Young people in particular are influenced by fuel prices when making purchasing decisions: Among 18- to 35-year-olds, 59 percent say they are now more likely to buy an electric car. Nevertheless, just under half of young prospective buyers still plan to purchase a gas-powered car—which may be due, among other things, to the fact that many live in rental apartments and do not have easy access to charging stations. In fact, only 22 percent of renters plan to buy an electric car next, compared to 38 percent of condominium owners and 43 percent of single-family home owners.

Asian manufacturers are gaining ground

Asian manufacturers are benefiting in particular from increased price sensitivity and growing demand for electric cars. Germany remains the most popular country of origin among prospective electric car buyers, at 84 percent. However, all Asian manufacturing countries have seen an increase compared to the previous year: Japan rose from 52 to 59 percent, South Korea from 44 to 50 percent, and China from 37 to 43 percent.

European manufacturing countries, on the other hand, are largely losing ground: France fell from 61 to 50 percent, and Sweden from 58 to 50 percent. The U.S. remains at a low level of 21 percent—following a significant decline from 34 percent in 2024 to 23 percent in 2025. As a result, twice as many people can now imagine buying a Chinese electric car as an American one.

The single most important selling point for Chinese electric cars is price: 69 percent of prospective electric car buyers cite low prices as an advantage over the competition. This is followed by range (31 %), charging time (26 %), digital features (17 %), and design (12 %). At the same time, however, there are also significant reservations: Political differences with the Chinese government (52 %), poor working conditions (46 %), and privacy concerns (42 %) are most frequently cited as reasons against purchasing a Chinese electric car. Only 17 percent have no reservations whatsoever.

Calls for Greater Support for Electric Vehicles

The increased popularity of electric cars is also reflected in attitudes toward government support: 47 percent—that is, nearly half the population—believe that policymakers should clearly or somewhat more strongly promote electric mobility. Last year, that figure was 38 percent. At the same time, a majority (57 %) supports the decision by various automakers—such as Mercedes-Benz, Opel, and Ford—to continue producing internal combustion engines for longer than originally announced. Only 35 percent oppose this approach. Accordingly, the public supports a gradual transition to electric mobility and considers a complete technological shift in the coming years to be premature.

Source: www.axa.ch