Combustion engine: no quick goodbye
CAR STOCK More than eleven percent of the new passenger cars put on the road in Switzerland in the current year are electrically powered. Nevertheless, many passenger cars will still be powered by an internal combustion engine in 2035.
Electromobility is booming in Switzerland. With a market share of 11.6 percent of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from January to October 2021, Switzerland is even ahead of Germany in an international comparison, where BEVs are supported with subsidies.
However, since an electric vehicle requires less service and maintenance work than a conventionally powered car, the development of the aftersales business is a growing concern for many Swiss garage owners.
100 percent market share of new EVs in 2035
The independent Swiss economic research institute BAK Economics has examined the development of the vehicle population up to 2035 with a scenario analysis - broken down by drive type.
In a scenario based on the ambitious EU target, BAK Economics assumed exponential growth in EV market shares. From the current 11.6 percent to 20 percent in 2023, 50 percent in 2030 and 100 percent in 2035.
In 14 years, still 3.2 million combustion engines
With a vehicle population of around five million passenger cars in Switzerland, only around 17 percent of all vehicles will be battery-electric in 2030, despite exponential BEV growth, and this share will rise to 36 percent by 2035.
But this also means that in 14 years, just under two-thirds or 3.2 million cars on Swiss roads will still be powered by an internal combustion engine - but many will be in hybrid systems with low fuel consumption.
Auto trade association open to technologies
Markus Aegerter, AGVS Executive Board: "The aftersales business will change. There will be fewer repairs, but software updates and the management of driver assistance systems will become increasingly important in day-to-day workshop operations. The AGVS and its members are open to technology. Basic vocational training and continuing education programs ensure that Swiss garage owners remain competent contacts for all technologies."
