swisselectric also believes in the future of personal mobility. Innovative electric cars offer an impressive driving experience while also protecting the environment thanks to zero-emission travel and maximum energy efficiency. Moreover, the ability to do without crude oil reduces any dependency on volatile international commodity markets. With this in mind, swisselectric and its member companies are committed to e-mobility as a contribution to energy and climate policy targets. Thanks to Switzerland's optimal situation based on virtually zero-carbon electricity generation, e-mobility can be implemented rapidly and effectively.
Because power production in Switzerland is virtually zero-carbon, electrcity makes an important contribution to achieving climate policy objectives, particularly in the transport sector. According to a study commissioned by Alpiq, 15% market penetration by electric cars would reduce the CO2 emissions of private vehicles in Switzerland by around 10%. With its high vehicle density, Switzerland is an ideal test market for electric cars in Europe.
This scenario would reduce total CO2 emissions in the transport sector by 1.2 million tonnes per year, corresponding to around 10% of the emissions generated by private vehicles in 2007. This annual reduction also represents 10% of the Swiss Confederation's target for reducing greenhouse gases by 2020[1].
If electric cars were to account for 15% of Swiss vehicles, Swiss electricity production would only have to be increased by 2%. To help electric cars gain critical mass, favourable boundary conditions must first be created: A nation-wide network of charging stations, supported by the existing electricity grid, as well as an appropriate incentive system are essential requirements.
It is the responsibility of our society to reduce road traffic emissions in order to protect the climate. A policy of intelligent electrification is particulary desirable, thanks to efficiency gains and our virtually carbon-free electricity mix of renewable energies (55% hydroelectricity and 40% nuclear power).
