Anger in the auto industry over Guy Parmelin’s plans
Is the Federal Council sabotaging e-car sales?
The emergency plan announced by the Federal Council this week in the event of a power shortage is driving car importers crazy. They are particularly bothered by the fact that e-car owners should be restricted.
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Economics Minister Guy Parmelin is angering the auto industry with his emergency plan in the event of a possible power shortage.
Raoul SchwinnEditor Auto & Mobility
Andreas Burgener (63) was very annoyed when he found out about the Federal Council’s emergency plan in the event of a possible power shortage. The director of the Auto Schweiz importers’ association felt fooled: According to the Federal Council, at escalation level 3, owners of electric cars should only be allowed to use their e-mobiles for absolutely necessary journeys such as commuting to work, shopping or going to the doctor and church services.
“This announcement is in complete contrast to previous statements by the Federal Council, according to which the principles of proportionality should apply to necessary austerity measures.” Burgener 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!”
Petrol and diesel not affected
Car manufacturers, importers and brand dealers went to great lengths to propagate electromobility and tried to persuade consumers to switch from petrol and diesel to more environmentally efficient electric cars: “With its announcement, the Federal Council is sabotaging these efforts. Anyone who now buys or orders a car will choose a petrol or diesel engine again if they know about this impending ban on using electric cars in the event of a power shortage. They are exempt from the ban.” And Burgener continues to get excited: “At the same time, our members have to pay penalties if they do not comply with the CO₂ target values set by the federal government.”
In the event of a power shortage, only 100 km/h on the motorway
The federal government’s proposal to limit the maximum speed on Swiss motorways to 100 km/h in the event of a power shortage is met with incomprehension by Swiss car importers. “Commuters, craftsmen and delivery services would all be slowed down,” says Auto-Switzerland Director Andreas Burgener, commenting on the idea. Last but not least, he is bothered by the vague wording that this article could be used “depending on the situation”. “What does that mean?” asks Burgener. “Will all high-speed traffic on Swiss motorways be slowed down with the first missing kilowatt hour?” It is clear to Burgener that the Auto Schweiz importers’ association, together with its partner associations, will also defend itself against this proposal.
Will it soon no longer be possible to drive at 120 km/h on Swiss autobahns when there is a power shortage?
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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 shortage is met with incomprehension by Swiss car importers. “Commuters, craftsmen and delivery services would all be slowed down,” says Auto-Switzerland Director Andreas Burgener, commenting on the idea. Last but not least, he is bothered by the vague wording that this article could be used “depending on the situation”. “What does that mean?” asks Burgener. “Will all high-speed traffic on Swiss motorways be slowed down with the first missing kilowatt hour?” It is clear to Burgener that the Auto Schweiz importers’ association, together with its partner associations, will also defend itself against this proposal.
The importers’ association Auto Schweiz has announced that it will fight against this in the consultation until December 12th. Any restrictions on electromobility are rejected.
Auto Switzerland Managing Director Andreas Burgener is a mystery as to why the Federal Council, contrary to its previous intentions, now wants to start with electric cars. “Last year, their electricity consumption accounted for just 0.4 percent of the total Swiss electricity requirement.”