Electric Vehicle Industry in Switzerland

Switzerland might play further a pioneering role in the development of electric vehicles and services related to EVs. Switzerland has one of the largest numbers of cars per household in the world and uses more fuel and emits more CO2 per vehicle than the EU average, at 180g CO2/km compared to 160g CO2/km in the EU. In 2009, according to e`mobile, overall automobile sales volumes in Switzerland decreased by 8%. At the same time hybrid automotive sales volumes increased by 26% and gas/biogas automotive sales volumes increased by 12% compared to year 2008. Also the volumes of EVs increased. Altogether, ecocars make up 2% of all new automotive sales. As electricity in Switzerland is practically free of CO2 and will remain so, the country has maximal leverage for climate improvement. Since Switzerland has no fossil energy resources (coal, oil, or natural gas), there is no national preference for a given fossil primary energy that could induce a political bias. Switzerland represents one of the best initial test markets for EVs/PHEVs due to its: car neutrality (no major national manufacturer, three distinct cultural areas) Indirect participation in the EU with its car-related rules Particular geographic situation in central Europe. Relatively high income level. Public environmental sensibility plays a major role in the national political agenda. EV ecosystem will open up new horizontal and vertical value chain positions to new innovative players that will lead to even more networked global business models for automotive.

Swiss Automotive Market

Some observations show that: A multitude of innovative, market driven bottom-up initiatives (concept) exist from technology to services. SwissEnergy program promotes energy-efficient mobility (under Swiss Federal Office of Energy)

Swiss Electric Car Manufacturers

Protoscar LAMPO electric roadster prototype from Ticino

500 Elektro (rebuilt Fiat 500) from Kamoo Electrocars AG / Schlieren ZH

 Twike
The TWIKE is an electric which you can buy today. The first TWIKE were rolled out 15 years ago.

Rinspeed
Rinspeed combines Cars, Trains and the Web in a New Mobility Concept.

The most successful EV manufacturer in Switzerland is ebike manufacturer Biketec. It is equipped with the latest technology; it represents a quantum leap forward. The bike is consciously tailored to the needs of the end-user (low step-through frame, solid and dependable technology, top quality components), its distinctive design making it stand out. The C-Series helped the FLYER brand capture a market share of around 70% in Switzerland and provides the springboard for a successful entry into the German market. Biketec figures - 45000 50000 ebike sold in 2010 (1000 ebike in 2001) - 125 employees May 2010 (25 employees in 2007) - Revenue of 68 million CHF p.a. - High exports to the Netherlands and Germany (but also to Canada and Austria).

Automotive Industry in Switzerland

Switzerland possesses a strong automotive industry that is largely focused on production of components and subsystems as well as services and seldom on systems.

Swiss Energy Ecosystem & Policies Switzerlands global energy system

The penetration of EVs in the Swiss national car fleet should meet the following conditions: The business framework is that of a free market with competition as the main driver. Within this context, all services and goods are fully paid by the beneficiary. Internalization of external costs could become governmental policy but should remain neutral from a fiscal point of view. Clean electric cars must be able to offer sufficient performance so as to meet market requirements. This also means that the total cost of ownership (TCO) will have to be competitive. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must be able to supply enough pluggable cars i.e. battery electric vehicle (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to satisfy the Swiss market.