Indicator Climate

Specific fuel consumption and thus also average carbon emissions of new passenger vehicles have been trending downwards since 1996, an overall positive development, although statutory targets have so far been achieved just once, in 2023. The current situation is thus assessed as positive. However, at the current rate of decrease it will be difficult to achieve the statutory target in 2025. The trend is therefore assessed as unsatisfactory. 

The positive effect of the decrease in carbon emissions from new vehicles is being counteracted by the increase in the amount of traffic. Carbon emissions from passenger vehicles currently stand at around 1990 levels. Over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland are caused by passenger vehicles.

• Related indicators
• Road traffic

The indicator is also used internationally, by the European Environment Agency (EEA). When making any comparisons with neighbouring countries, however, it must be borne in mind that the figures for these countries do not include off-road vehicles and generally contain a significantly higher proportion of diesel vehicles. Comparisons with other counties are therefore not very reliable. However, it may be said that Switzerland has a new vehicle fleet with above-average carbon emissions per kilometre compared to the rest of Europe.

Average emissions from new vehicles are calculated by the SFOE from the data for the enforcement of carbon emission regulations, which are based on the registration data from the FEDRO Vehicle Admission Information System (VAIS). These data also cover engine type, energy consumption, weight and other parameters. The analyses are published annually: New vehicle fleet (annual figures). The target values for the years 2015 and 2020 are based on the NEDC test procedure, while those from 2021 onwards are based on the more realistic WLTP.