If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps, why not make it even more unforgettable by doing it in an electric vehicle?
My Swiss Alps road trip in an EV was one of the most scenic adventures of my 6 country European EV road trip, offering jaw-dropping views and scenic charging stops.
From the winding mountain roads to the picture-perfect villages, here’s my Swiss Alps EV road trip recap.
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Switzerland eV charging: Challenges and Tips
Before diving into this Swiss Alps road trip report, let’s talk about the Swiss EV charging infrastructure.
Switzerland is known for its well-developed EV infrastructure, but I encountered some challenges along the way. Many chargers require RFID cards or specific apps, which aren’t always intuitive for travelers. At one point, I struggled to activate a charger outside a grocery store but eventually found success at another station nearby.
Despite these minor hiccups, I was impressed by the availability of charging options across the country. Grocery stores, malls, and even some remote villages offered convenient charging points, making it easy to keep my EV topped up throughout the trip.
Pro Tips for EV Charging in Switzerland
- Download apps like Chargemap or PlugShare before your trip.
- Consider investing in a universal RFID card for European chargers.
- Combine charging stops with sightseeing or shopping to maximize your time.
Accommodation Options with EV Charging
Finding hotels with EV charging in Switzerland is relatively straightforward, but you’ll want to book in advance—especially in popular areas such as Interlaken.
In Lausanne, I stayed at a hotel with an underground parking garage equipped with EV chargers. However, this was another instance where an RFID card was required, and I couldn’t charge my car. These experiences reminded me of the importance of planning ahead when relying on hotel charging stations.
First eV charging switzerland Experience Was So European
After a rainy, grey day driving through Lake Como in northern Italy, I crossed into Switzerland, stopping to charge at the Supercharger in Qunito. One thing I came to love with almost all of my charging stops in Europe was the ability to have an espresso and a pastry while I waited.
Almost all chargers I used in Europe were near a cafe or hotel with a lobby bar. This all felt so European and made the trip that much more enjoyable. This stop took it to the next level as I could hear the cow bells softly clanging from the cows in the hills.
Welcome to Switzerland.
At the Motel Gotardo Sud, there was a sign on the bathroom requesting those using the Supercharger to consider purchasing something at the cafe or vending machine, which is commendable. I can only imagine how mush foot traffic this washroom gets from those charging.
After a cortado, I was back on the road and in search of better weather.
A Rainy Start, But an Unforgettable Journey Awaits
After a wet stop at the Teufelsbrücke and the Schöllenen Gorge near Andermatt—a historic crossing steeped in local folklore where legends claim that the devil himself played a part in its construction—I continued on and up the winding mountain passes.
The relentless rain had kept me from fully exploring the mysterious gorge that day, but even in the downpour, the natural beauty and power of the rushing water was impressive.
As I navigated the famous switchbacks of the Swiss Alps, the dark, rainy skies gradually gave way to moments of brilliant sunshine.
The clouds parted just enough to reveal a breathtaking panorama of pristine alpine scenery, with rugged peaks and lush valleys unfolding before me. That stunning drive, with its ever-changing light and dramatic vistas, made every challenging twist and steep incline entirely worthwhile.
Susten Pass – The Highlight of my Swiss Alps Road Trip
Ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful roads, the Susten Pass (Road 11 between Wassen and Innertkirchen) proved to be an unforgettable highlight of my Swiss Alps road trip.
As I transitioned from the sun-drenched glamour of the French Riviera to the rugged, alpine majesty of Switzerland, I was excited to explore this epic route as part of my Swiss Alps EV Road Trip.
The roads, though winding and steep, were impeccably maintained, with ample pull-off areas perfect for safely stopping and capturing the breathtaking scenery.
There were several notable photo stops along the way. One of my favorites was the panoramic viewpoint at Susten Pass Höhe, where the sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks truly captured the essence of the Swiss Alps. At 2,260 m above sea level, these views shouldn’t be a surprise.
Further along, the series of curves as the road descended toward Innertkirchen offered numerous pull-offs that provided stunning, ever-changing perspectives of the alpine landscape.
One practical challenge during this journey was the need to repeatedly use my Tesla key card to stop and restart the vehicle—a task that became particularly frustrating during those impromptu photo stops in the rain.
Having the Apple Watch Tesla App setup up for this Europcar rental would have been ideal however, unlike renting a Tesla with Hertz, it’s currently not an option to pair a phone or watch key.
As the climbs brought my battery level down into the 20% range, I began to worry a bit about my charge. Thankfully, I remembered that regenerative braking on my EV would help replenish my battery on the drive down, reassuring me that I’d reach Lauterbrunnen in for sunset.
This leg of the trip perfectly encapsulated the diverse beauty of Switzerland. Every twist and turn along the Susten Pass added a new layer of adventure to my journey, making it an essential stop on any Swiss Alps EV Road Trip itinerary. I was also impressed by how well standard Tesla Autopilot handled these challenging roads.
Lauterbrunnen: The Scenic Jewel of the Trip
Another highlight of my Swiss Alps EV road trip was reaching Lauterbrunnen, a postcard-perfect village known for its towering cliffs and waterfall. Arriving just in time for sunset, I was greeted by golden light illuminating the famous Staubbach Falls, cascading down the rock face into the valley below.
This wasn’t just a scenic stop—it was also a practical one.
Lauterbrunnen boasts a convenient EV charging station at the tourism center. Despite the expensive flat fee (CHF 40/ $64 CAD)—easily the most expensive charge I’ve encountered in over four years of driving an EV—I made sure to get my money’s worth by charging my car to 100%.
That full charge not only allowed me ample time to explore the town and enjoy a traditional Swiss meal (complete with plenty of cheese) at a nearby restaurant overlooking a magnificent waterfall, but it also ensured that every cent spent was well justified.
Comparing EV Charging Costs
EV charging in Switzerland is noticeably pricier than North America, where costs are more standardized and affordable. This charging spot in Lauterbrunnen set me back quite a bit, but it also doubled as premium parking in the heart of a very touristy town.
On the positive, this was by far one of the most scenic EV chargers I have visited to date.
That said, comparing this to my experiences with EV charging in Italy and Spain, I found Swiss chargers more reliable and accessible, though at a higher price point.
If you are interested in staying in Interlaken, there are a few great hotels that offer EV charging. Specifically the Carlton-Europe Vintage and the Hotel Royal St Georges.
Note: As of posting this, there are no accommodations in Lauterbrunnen with EV chargers so plan accordingly.
Lauterbrunnen to Lausanne
My journey from Lauterbrunnen to Lausanne was filled with unexpected twists. Initially, I had planned to stay in Interlaken, but hotel rates there were surprisingly steep—even in the fall.
Faced with this reality, I decided to keep driving rather than splurge on expensive accommodations. My persistence paid off when I reached Lausanne and found a comfortable stay at the B&B HOTEL Lausanne Crissier, which boasted EV charging facilities.
However, my European charging woes continued. The charger in the hotel parkade was a headache: with no cell service to support the connection, my Chargpoint RFID card simply wouldn’t work.
Despite the frustrating start, I wasn’t too worried as there were a few alternative chargers nearby. That optimism quickly faded the next morning when I encountered the same issue—the RFID card and the app both failed to initiate a charge.
Ultimately, I settled for a conveniently located Level 2 charger at a grocery store while I picked up breakfast and snacks for the road. Refueled both in energy and spirits, I set off on a scenic drive along Lake Geneva, eventually making my way to the French border, ready for the next leg of my adventure.
Wrapping Up the Swiss Alps EV Road Trip
My Swiss Alps road trip was an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and plenty of EV charging lessons. From navigating the tight switchbacks of the Alps to enjoying a cheese-laden meal in Lauterbrunnen while my car charged, this journey was a perfect blend of practicality and beauty.
Distance: 690 km
Charge Time: 2 hr 44 min
Charge Cost: 53.22 €
What made this trip stand out wasn’t just the stunning landscapes but the seamless integration of EV travel into an otherwise remote and mountainous region. Sure, there were challenges—like dealing with RFID cards and pricier charging fees—but these were minor in comparison to the rewards of driving through this spectacular part of Europe.
Looking Ahead: From Switzerland to Spain
The Swiss Alps were just one chapter in my larger European EV road trip. Next up was an exciting drive back into France, with a scenic stop in Anncy and at the Airbus Museum in Toulouse before continuing into Spain. This transition marked a shift from snowy peaks to sunny coasts, highlighting the incredible diversity of landscapes you can experience on an EV journey through Europe.
Spain offered its own unique challenges and highlights, including exploring historic cities, enjoying coastal drives, and navigating a growing EV infrastructure. If you’re considering extending your trip, a Spanish EV road trip is the perfect follow-up to your Swiss adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning your first EV road trip or are a seasoned traveler, the Swiss Alps should absolutely be on your bucket list. The region’s well-maintained roads, reliable charging infrastructure, and unforgettable scenery make it a dream destination for EV enthusiasts.
If you’re ready to plan your own adventure, be sure to check out my related posts on EV charging in Italy, and my French Riviera road trip report, and what the EV infrastructure is like in Andorra to help you prepare. And if you’re headed to Spain next, stay tuned for tips on navigating the EV infrastructure there.
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