Is the Federal Council sabotaging e-car sales?

Andreas Burgener (63) was very annoyed when he heard about the Federal Council’s emergency plan in case of a possible power shortage. The director of the Auto Schweiz importers association felt fooled: According to the Federal Council, owners of electric cars at escalation level 3 are only allowed to use their e-mobile for absolutely necessary trips, such as commuting, shopping or going to the doctor and church services.

“This announcement is in stark contrast to previous statements by the Federal Council, according to which the principles of proportionality should apply to necessary austerity measures.” Burgerer gets excited: “It can’t be the case that the saunas and whirlpools in wellness hotels are still running seven hours a day while guests are no longer allowed to travel with their electric cars. That’s absurd!”

Gasoline and diesel are not affected

Car manufacturers, importers and brand dealers have gone to great lengths to promote electromobility and tried to convince consumers to switch from petrol and diesel to more environmentally friendly electric cars: “With its announcement, the Federal Council is sabotaging these efforts. Anyone who buys or orders a car now , opts for a petrol or diesel engine again if he knows about this imminent ban on the use of electric cars in the event of a power cut. They are exempt from the ban.” And Burgener remains enthusiastic: “At the same time, our members must pay fines if they do not comply with the CO₂ targets set by the federal government.”

In the event of a power failure, only 100 km/h on the highway

The federal government’s proposal to limit the maximum speed on Swiss motorways to 100 km/h in the event of a power failure is met with incomprehension among Swiss car importers. “Commuters, craftsmen and delivery services would all be delayed,” says Andreas Burgener, director of Auto-Switzerland, commenting on the idea. Last but not least, he is annoyed by the vague wording that this article could be used “depending on the situation”. “What does that mean?” Burgerer asks. “Will all high-speed traffic on Swiss motorways be slowed down with the first missing kilowatt-hour?” It is clear to Burgener that the importers’ association Auto Schweiz, together with its partner associations, will also defend themselves against this proposal.

Will it no longer be possible to drive 120 km/h on the Swiss autobahns in the event of a power failure?

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The federal government’s proposal to limit the maximum speed on Swiss motorways to 100 km/h in the event of a power failure is met with incomprehension among Swiss car importers. “Commuters, craftsmen and delivery services would all be delayed,” says Andreas Burgener, director of Auto-Switzerland, commenting on the idea. Last but not least, he is annoyed by the vague wording that this article could be used “depending on the situation”. “What does that mean?” Burgerer asks. “Will all high-speed traffic on Swiss motorways be slowed down with the first missing kilowatt-hour?” It is clear to Burgener that the importers’ association Auto Schweiz, together with its partner associations, will also defend themselves against this proposal.

The importers’ association Auto Schweiz has announced that it will fight against this in consultations until December 12. Any restrictions on electromobility are rejected.

Andreas Burgener, general manager of Auto Switzerland, is a mystery why the Federal Council, contrary to previous intentions, now wants to start with electric cars. “Last year their electricity consumption represented only 0.4 percent of the total Swiss electricity demand.”