E-mobility: Killer criterion is the charging station
For a long time, high purchase prices, skepticism about the lack of charging options, and range anxiety in general were the main reasons why many car buyers still decided against an electric car.
The new study of the Swiss Mobility Monitor 2023 by the University of Lucerne shows that the switch to an electric vehicle is less a question of money or range, but that in many cases the charging infrastructure at home is lacking.
However, the public charging network in Switzerland is now well developed, the supply of electric models is large and demand is high. If the switch to electromobility is to succeed, it is now up to landlords and homeowners in particular.
Charging possibility at home crucial
The Switzerland-wide, representative study conducted by the University of Lucerne, which was realized together with the partners Autoscout 24, Zurich Insurance and the University of St. Gallen, examined, among other things, the use of electric cars as well as the motives for switching.
Reto Hofstetter, study leader at the University of Lucerne (pictured below): "The options for charging the vehicle at home were rated overall as the most important aspect for switching to an e-car - and this across generations. Other than the charging option at home, other aspects that are intended to persuade vehicle drivers to switch to an e-car were rated differently by the different generations. "
Switzerland is not at the forefront
Generation Z, i.e., people born between 1995 and 2010, rates a lower price as almost equally important in addition to the charging option at home. This is followed by the aspects of a longer range and a better developed public charging infrastructure.
By contrast, people born earlier in Generations Y and X and baby boomers rate a better public charging infrastructure as the second most important reason for switching to an e-car after the charging option at home. However, a longer range is also cited as almost equally important. Lower prices are less relevant for them.
Despite a better public charging infrastructure, a wider range of charging stations and the popularity of electric vehicles, Switzerland is not at the forefront of electromobility in Europe. In many cases, tenants are not free to decide whether or not to install a charging station, but have to rely on the goodwill of their landlords.
