Indicator Climate

Fuel consumption and thus the average CO₂ emissions of of newly registered passenger cars have been dropping slightly since 1996, which is essentially a positive finding. However, the 2020 target (95 g CO₂/km) couldn't be achieved. For this reason the state is rated negatively and the trend is evaluated as unsatisfactory.

The positive effect of the falling CO₂ emissions of newly registered passenger cars is normally offset by the growth in road traffic. In 2020, the CO₂ emissions of passenger cars were lower than in 1990 for the first time, as the volume of traffic decreased massively with the Covid-19 pandemic. Private vehicles account for more than 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland.

• Related indicators
• Rail transport

The indicator is also used in other international indicator systems such as that of the European Environment Agency EEA. However, it must be kept in mind when making comparisons with neighbouring countries that in some countries consumption figures do not include consumption by off-road vehicles and generally comprise a substantially higher proportion of diesel fuel. Only a limited international comparison can therefore be made. Nonetheless, it can generally be stated that, across Europe, Switzerland has a fleet of new vehicles with very high average CO₂ emissions per kilometre.

The number of new cars is based on MOFIS data, which are evaluated and compiled by “auto-schweiz”. The survey commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and conducted by auto-schweiz looks at fuel consumption, from which CO₂ emissions can be derived. Electric passenger cars (plug-in vehicles, plug-in hybrids and range extenders) are also included.