Beyond more Chargers for Electric Vehicles in Zurich

SOLUTION 1: COMPLETE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT PLANNING CONCEPTS

Despite all the attention paid to range anxiety and the problem of ubiquitous chargers, we were surprised to find that the most frequently mentioned solution amongst citizens, car dealers, and politicians was a sustainable and complete transportation concept. Such a concept accounts for (and maybe prices) all transport emissions and focuses on reducing individual motorized transport, as well as completely integrates public and light transport (walking, cycling), while considering the built environment.

Participants discussed how the electrification of individual motorized transport, including the need for sustainable traffic concepts, could result in BEVs becoming an integrated part of the pathway to sustainable mobility for all. They also emphasized the opportunity for both the canton and the city of Zurich to be role models by purchasing and using BEVs, promoting car sharing, and integrating (affordable) public transport in a complete mobility system. For example, several participants from different groups said that now it is simply cheaper to bring kids to leisure activities by car rather than public transport.

While participants thought BEVs might be cheaper than public transport, nearly all participants complained that BEV’s are expensive compared with traditional vehicles and proposed purchase incentives, such as tax deductions, scrappage bonuses, as well as subsidies directed to the EV purchase. Political representatives and municipal employee focus groups, in particular, acknowledged purchase incentives, but opposed direct purchase subsidies. Some citizens and political focus groups suggested a vehicle weight and tailpipe emissions-related road pricing scheme. It is encouraging to see common ground for support between different stakeholders, however, consensus beyond current policies, i.e., tax exemptions, would be needed to boost EVs. 

SOLUTION 2: PARKING AREAS DEDICATED TO BEVs

Almost all stakeholders (except car dealers) mentioned the need for a cohesive parking structure. The group members said that given current parking space rivalry in Zurich, one strategy to promote electric vehicles would be dedicated EV parking. Nearly all groups also suggested reduced pricing or free parking, especially in downtown Zurich, where parking is paid by the minute. A group of consumers suggested smaller parking lots to incentivize the use of smaller BEVs. These discussions on parking were often intertwined with discussions about charging station deployment — since a car parks 23 out of 24 hours it makes sense to charge where you park.

SOLUTION 3: COMMUNICATION TO REDUCE REGULATORY RISKS

Five out of six focus groups suggested the city and the canton of Zurich promote BEVs through a stringent political framework for the city’s transport future. The participants clearly stated the wish to understand local politicians’ grand plan – do they want the city to head towards BEVs (and no other zero-emission vehicle technology) or away from any cars (“Car-free Zurich”) towards more active travel and public transport? This fundamental political question would lead to very different consequences for parking space allowances or road space allocation. Some participants mentioned that certain groups, like people with disabilities, are currently dependent on the car and that Zurich attracts a great number of commuters that live outside of Zurich who would be heavily affected by any of the city’s policies. Only a consistent policy would allow more consumers to plan the purchase of a BEV with a multi-year investment horizon and reduce the associated regulatory risk.

SOLUTION 4: INDEPENDENT INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Finally, many of the groups were frustrated by the lack of credible information on BEVs compared with combustion-engine vehicles. As a result, many focus groups focused on opportunities to gather independent information on the cars’ environmental impacts. While the science is clear on the lower life-cycle emissions of BEVs, the public remains confused. Consumers would appreciate science-based information that helps them decide when to scrap an old conventional car and exchange it for an electric vehicle. Many feared that currently available information is biased by industry interests on the one hand, or green-washed on the other hand. Instead, participants advocated for an easily accessible independent information provider, like the city of Zurich.

The Future of BEVs in Zurich

Participants in our focus groups seem to understand that, concerns about charging (especially for tenants), purchase prices, and range anxiety aside, BEVs have major potential to help reduce emissions in the transportation sector as part of a complete and sustainable transportation concept. Yet, confusion among participants about where to find credible information about BEVs remains a big obstacle. There is also serious political risk in Switzerland: direct democratic processes could result in demand for reductions in individual motorized transport, even with BEVs. Policy makers, therefore, should think beyond charging and keep these perspectives in mind — they may only have a narrow window to pave the way for a transition from conventional cars to BEVs through better communication and clear, comprehensive policy. 

The focus group discussions were financially supported by the “Energieforschung Stadt Zürich”.