Guides · Updated on October 1, 2026
Small Chinese Electric Cars for the City in Switzerland: Dolphin Surf, Leapmotor T03 and Others (2026)
The Chinese-designed electric city car has established itself as the ideal car for the city in Switzerland: compact, economical to run and sold at prices that established brands struggle to match. Since 1 January 2024, Switzerland has abolished customs duties on industrial products, including electric vehicles manufactured in China; it applies instead a 4% automobile tax on the import price of these vehicles, together with VAT of 8.1%. The European Union, for its part, applies to Chinese battery electric vehicles a standard 10% import duty, on top of countervailing duties ranging from roughly 7.8% to 35.3% depending on the manufacturer. As a result, models such as the BYD Dolphin Surf or the Leapmotor T03 are offered at low entry prices, with official service networks already in place.
Why Switzerland is an ideal market for small Chinese electric cars
The first advantage is fiscal. Since 1 January 2024, Switzerland has abolished customs duties on industrial products, including electric vehicles manufactured in China; it applies instead a 4% automobile tax on the import price of these vehicles, together with VAT of 8.1%. Outside the EU, Switzerland does not apply the countervailing duties the European Union has introduced on Chinese battery electric vehicles (a standard 10% duty plus countervailing duties of roughly 7.8% to 35.3% depending on the manufacturer).
The second advantage is suitability to the terrain. In the city, a small electric car can be charged from a domestic socket or a neighbourhood charging point and costs little to run. Chinese-designed models now cover this segment with ranges that are more than sufficient for daily journeys.
The third advantage is the maturity of the network. The brands present in Switzerland are distributed there by official importers, with manufacturer warranty and local service. Buying a Chinese city car in Switzerland therefore does not mean buying a vehicle with Chinese specifications: the models sold here are homologated for Switzerland.
The models to know: Dolphin Surf, Leapmotor T03, MG4 and others
The BYD Dolphin Surf is BYD's electric city car, imported by BYD Switzerland (direct subsidiary). It is offered from CHF 20,990, with an announced range of 322 km and a power of 115 kW. It is currently one of the most accessible entry points to new electric cars in Switzerland.
The Leapmotor T03 is Leapmotor's entry-level model: from CHF 16,990, with 265 km of range and 70 kW. Leapmotor is imported into Switzerland by Leapmotor Switzerland, via the Stellantis / Emil Frey network, which guarantees a dense service network.
The MG4 Electric completes this trio with a more versatile proposition: from CHF 33,490, 450 km of range and 150 kW. MG is distributed by MG Motor Switzerland. To these three models are added other options, such as the Zeekr X from CHF 37,990 (445 km, 200 kW), imported by Emil Frey AG, or the Leapmotor B10 from CHF 29,900 (434 km, 160 kW), which are more versatile for urban and peri-urban use.
Price, range and power: the comparison of Chinese city cars in Switzerland
On the price criterion, the hierarchy is clear: Leapmotor T03 from CHF 16,990, BYD Dolphin Surf from CHF 20,990, Leapmotor B10 from CHF 29,900, MG4 Electric from CHF 33,490, Zeekr X from CHF 37,990. All these prices are 'from CHF' prices taken from the websites of the Swiss importers; they may change, so check them with the importer.
On range, the differences reflect the battery size and the model's purpose: 265 km for the Leapmotor T03, 322 km for the BYD Dolphin Surf, 434 km for the Leapmotor B10, 445 km for the Zeekr X and 450 km for the MG4 Electric. For strictly urban use, the first two are sufficient; for mixed city-road journeys, the longer-range models are more comfortable.
On power, the Leapmotor T03 (70 kW) and the BYD Dolphin Surf (115 kW) are designed for the city, while the MG4 Electric (150 kW), the Leapmotor B10 (160 kW) and the Zeekr X (200 kW) offer more headroom for open-road and motorway driving. The right choice therefore depends mainly on actual use: short daily journeys or city-country commuting.
Who imports these models in Switzerland and what warranties to expect
Buying a Chinese city car in Switzerland is done through identified official importers. BYD is distributed by BYD Switzerland (direct subsidiary). MG goes through MG Motor Switzerland. Leapmotor is imported by Leapmotor Switzerland, via the Stellantis / Emil Frey network. Zeekr relies on Emil Frey AG. XPeng is imported by Hedin Distribution AG. Voyah and M Hero are managed by NOYO AG. Maxus goes through Astara Longbridge AG, JAC through JAC Schweiz AG (Auto Kunz AG), smart through Smart Schweiz GmbH, Lynk & Co via Volvo Cars and its retail partners, and Omoda & Jaecoo through EuropeanCar / Gemelli Mobilité.
These networks provide test drives, delivery, maintenance, parts and warranty processing. Warranty length and terms vary by brand and model: ask the importer for them in writing before buying.
Going through an official importer avoids the pitfalls of parallel importing: the models sold in Switzerland by official importers are homologated for Switzerland and covered by a locally valid warranty.
How to choose your small Chinese electric car for the city
Start by defining your use: if you drive mainly in the city and charge at home, a Leapmotor T03 or a BYD Dolphin Surf cover most needs at a contained price. If you alternate between city and road, an MG4 Electric, a Leapmotor B10 or a Zeekr X offer more range and power.
Then check the availability of service near you: each brand has an official importer in Switzerland, and the network varies according to the distributors. A test drive in the importer's network remains the best way to validate the vehicle's comfort, size and ergonomics.
Finally, keep Swiss taxation in mind: no customs duties, but a 4% automobile tax on the import price and 8.1% VAT. Always compare the 'from CHF' prices and equipment with the importer.