Thinking of buying a Tesla? What hidden costs should you be aware of in Switzerland?

Buying a Tesla in Switzerland may seem like an excellent idea for adopting electric mobility, but have you thought about the hidden costs that could add to your budget? Here's what you need to know before you buy.

Have you taken the actual purchase price into account?

• Expensive options The base price of a Tesla may seem attractive, but beware of the options. For example, the Full Autonomous Driving option can add up to CHF 8,000 to the final bill. Details such as special paintwork or premium wheels can also add thousands of Swiss francs to the cost.

Is maintenance really that cheap?

• Parts and repairs Although Tesla boasts low maintenance costs, some repairs can be very expensive. For example, replacing a faulty battery can cost more than CHF 10,000. What's more, panoramic windscreens, which are specific to Tesla models, are often very expensive to replace.
• Access to services With a limited number of Tesla Service Centres in Switzerland, you may have to wait a long time for a repair, which can lead to additional costs if you have to hire a vehicle in the meantime.

Does depreciation have an impact on your investment?

• Resale value While Tesla cars hold their value relatively well, the introduction of new models and software updates can quickly devalue earlier versions.

What does a software update really cost?

• Pay features Tesla regularly offers software updates, but not all of them are free. For example, adding full autonomous driving capability after purchase can cost several thousand Swiss francs.
• Subscriptions To access certain features, such as premium connectivity for real-time maps or music streaming, you will need to take out a monthly subscription of around CHF 10 to CHF 15.

Have you considered installing a charging point?

• Home installation Installing a home charging point isn't always easy or cheap. Depending on the configuration of your electrical installation, it can cost between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000or more.

What happens on long journeys?

• Planning and additional costs Although Tesla cars have a good range, long journeys require careful planning when it comes to recharging. This can lead to unforeseen costs, such as longer stops or more expensive recharges depending on location.