A study commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE) comes to a clear result: in about 90 percent of the cases it makes sense to switch from the combustion engine to an electric car. But instead of publishing the results, the office initially decided to keep them under lock and key. The study has now only been made public with the pressure of journalists.
As the Swiss online magazine “Republic” and the Research Collective “WAV” report, the research was conducted by the renowned Zurich Research Office Infra’s.
It comes to the conclusion: “Expanded to the entire Swiss passenger car fleet, the climate priority would be worthwhile in around 90 percent of the combustion engines to replace an electric car with the same vehicle class.” Only in a few cases – for example with very little used or very efficient vehicles – is the benefit unclear.
Study gives a very clear answer
According to the BFE, these results were already available in the autumn of 2024, as the office confirmed to the Spiegel on request. However, a publication was not. The reason: the question had changed during the project duration. Moreover, the assumptions taken are “vague and therefore difficult to understand”, the BFE quoted against the mirror.
According to the Republic and WAV, however, this is a protective claim. The study very well gave a clear answer in the favor of the electric car. The further development of electric vehicles in the meantime also supports the research result.
Research results only published after printing
E-mails that the editors have asked regarding public law indicate other motives: According to the Republic, an employee of the office wrote that the study could be felt as “elitist”, for example-according to the motto: “Complete your old cars and buy new electric cars”. A project manager mentioned the subject in an e -mail “possible delicate”.
After the article was published, the journalists placed the entire study online. The BFE also decided to open the newspaper to the public. The report can now be viewed for everyone on their website.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
