Guides · Updated on October 3, 2026
How does leasing a Chinese electric car work in Switzerland?
Leasing is the most common financing solution in Switzerland for electric cars, and Chinese brands are no exception. Thanks to competitive list prices, leasing a Chinese electric car can be particularly advantageous. This guide explains how leasing works for these vehicles, what the specific advantages are, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why choose leasing for a Chinese electric car?
Leasing allows you to drive a new vehicle without tying up significant capital, with fixed monthly payments. For Chinese electric cars, whose residual value is still stabilizing, leasing with a guaranteed buy-back value neutralizes the risk of depreciation. You know in advance how much you will pay and what the purchase value will be at the end of the contract.
In addition, Chinese manufacturers and their official importers in Switzerland often offer attractive leasing deals, sometimes with preferential rates. Since list prices are already very competitive – for example, the Leapmotor T03 from CHF 16,990 or the BYD Dolphin Surf from CHF 20,990 – monthly payments can be particularly low.
Warranties: a key point for leasing
Warranty periods vary by brand, model and component (vehicle, battery, motor): check them with the importer before buying. A warranty that covers the whole contract period is an advantage in leasing, as it limits unexpected costs from major repairs.
It is essential to verify that the warranty is transferable and applies throughout the leasing period. Official importers such as BYD Switzerland (with partner dealers, including Galliker Carplanet), MG Motor Switzerland (MG), Astara Longbridge AG (Maxus), Emil Frey AG (Zeekr), Leapmotor Switzerland (Leapmotor), Hedin Distribution AG (XPeng), NOYO AG (Voyah, M Hero) or JAC Schweiz AG ensure the follow-up of these warranties in their network.
Steps to obtain a lease
The first step is to choose the model and request a leasing offer from the manufacturer or its official importer. You can configure the vehicle on the brand's official website, for example BYD Switzerland, MG Motor Switzerland, or Zeekr. The seller will then offer you a leasing contract, often via a partner bank.
You will need to provide the usual documents: ID, proof of residence, and proof of income. The importer or dealer handles the cantonal registration and VAT (8.1% included in the price). Delivery takes place through the official network, and maintenance follows the manufacturer's service schedule.
Pitfalls to avoid when leasing
Beware of parallel imports: vehicles with Chinese specifications (GB/T plug, software in Mandarin) are not adapted to the Swiss market and can cause warranty and resale problems. Make sure the vehicle is an official European model, type-approved and sold by an authorized importer.
Compare leasing offers: some may include hidden fees or unfavorable termination conditions. Check the proposed residual value and any penalties for exceeding the mileage. Finally, research the brand's reputation and the availability of spare parts, especially for less established brands.
Concrete examples of attractive leasing models
Among the most interesting models for leasing, we find the Leapmotor T03 (from CHF 16,990), ideal for the city, or the BYD Dolphin Surf (from CHF 20,990) for versatile use. For those looking for more range, the MG IM5 (from CHF 41,990) offers 655 km, while the Zeekr 7X (from CHF 53,990) combines performance and technology.
These models are sold by official importers with a service network in Switzerland, making them serious candidates for leasing. Check the warranty period of each model before signing. Do not hesitate to request multiple quotes and negotiate the terms, especially the residual value and registration fees.