The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) has been accused of withholding a study that found switching from internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles is mostly beneficial for the environment. This isn’t the first time research has shown electric cars are better for the environment in the long run.
However, the environmental impact of producing a new vehicle has raised concerns about whether it’s worth replacing an existing internal combustion engine car with a new electric one. In 2022, the SFOE commissioned Infras, a research firm, to investigate whether switching to electric vehicles makes sense from a climate perspective. The study cost 100,000 Swiss francs (around $110,000).
Study Findings
The research concluded that replacing over 90% of existing thermal cars with equivalent-sized electric vehicles would immediately reduce CO2 emissions, except for vehicles that are rarely used. A Swiss online investigative journalism magazine, Republik, obtained a copy of the study through freedom of information requests. The SFOE had decided not to release the findings.
R Republik also obtained internal emails discussing the study after it was delivered by Infras. The project manager noted that the topic was “potentially sensitive” and that the recommendations “could be misinterpreted” amid growing negative sentiment towards the federal administration. The head of communications at SFOE responded that the study was “simply academic” and that people wouldn’t consider replacing their combustion engine cars with electric vehicles based on climate considerations alone.
They also warned against being seen as making “elitist recommendations.” These concerns seem to have driven the SFOE’s decision to keep the study under wraps. The revelation has sparked debate about the role of government agencies in shaping public discourse around environmental issues.
It’s also raised questions about the potential consequences of suppressing research that could inform policy decisions. In this case, the study’s findings suggest that widespread adoption of electric vehicles could have significant environmental benefits. By not releasing the study, the SFOE may have missed an opportunity to promote a more informed discussion about the transition to electric vehicles.
Some key takeaways from the study include:
- Replacing over 90% of thermal cars with electric vehicles would reduce CO2 emissions.
- Vehicles that are rarely used are an exception, as their replacement wouldn’t make a significant difference.
- The environmental benefits of switching to electric vehicles depend on various factors, including the source of the energy used to charge them.
The study’s findings highlight the need for a nuanced discussion about the environmental implications of our transportation choices. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, research like this can help inform our decisions and shape a more sustainable future.