Moving from A to B is part of human nature. Mobility is changing - more sustainable means of e-mobility are on their way to becoming mass-marketable.
For almost a century, the automobile based on the combustion engine promised unlimited freedom and mobility without restrictions. However, we are now paying the price. The world's climate is suffering from the enormousCO2 emissions from the engines of cars, trucks, planes and ships. The effects of human-accelerated climate change are already a reality.
The conventional, petrol or diesel-powered engine is a discontinued model. In addition to the promotion of public transport and a better expansion of local transport and cycle paths, electric vehicles in particular are contributing to the mobility transition.
Even though the majority of our team travels by public transport, NIKIN recently acquired a Renault e-car. With this car, we want to handle smaller transports and participation in events such as pop-up stores or festivals in a sustainable way and also stay true to our sustainability claim with the company car.
So far, we are absolutely satisfied with the performance of our new Renault ZOE and the great advice from Aare Touring Garage AG in Buchs (AG), with whom we enjoy a great partnership. The competent and extremely friendly staff will be happy to advise you about their range of electric cars if you are interested or have any questions. We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey, perhaps soon with your own electric car.
How does an electric motor work?
Electrically powered cars have been around for a while, and with increasing market penetration they are also becoming more affordable. E-scooters are another electric way to get from A to B, usually via a network of rental stations where you can borrow the practical scooters. E-bikes provide "tailwind" for cycling, and electric propulsion is even a reality for skateboards.
What they all have in common is that they are fitted with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These transfer the stored energy to the motor, in which a torque is generated via two components, the stator and rotor, by means of opposing magnetic fields. This is how the electric vehicle is powered. In contrast to the combustion engine, there are no emissions - i.e. no exhaust fumes - and significantly less noise pollution.
What distinguishes e-mobility from "normal" mobility?
Theoretically, pretty much any means of transportation can be powered by a fuel cell. So at first glance, nothing would have to change in the cityscape of the future. In practice, however, e-mobility will only become sustainable if the electricity at the charging station is generated sustainably.
How e-mobility brings advantages
Electrically powered vehicles make a significant contribution to the energy transition. However, they cannot hide the fact that transport and consumer behavior as a whole must change in order to really do something good for the environment - and for ourselves. Considering that almost half of all journeys made by car are short trips of less than 5 kilometers, many journeys can be made by bike or bus - or on foot. In addition to contributing to a sustainable lifestyle, there are also health benefits. After all, people who walk a lot live longer - and better.
Where and how the mobility transition succeeds
You can make the switch within large urban areas, where you can reach almost all desired destinations by bike or public transport. But transport connections are also often good in the surrounding areas of larger cities. Many errands can be done with a trolley, or together with friends and family - so that instead of three cars, only one is needed.
Projects that enable car sharing or bike sharing are also well received. With a low-cost membership, participants can enjoy the benefits of mobility or e-mobility within their local area even without their own vehicle for the desired period of time.
The changeover is particularly problematic for long-distance commuters. They often take twice as long to get to work if they use trains or buses. This is not always because these modes of transport are slower, but because public transport networks have often been neglected or even dismantled in favor of freeway construction. This too can change if the necessary political will is there.
Only a few groups of people really need a car - especially people in very remote, impassable areas, who often even depend on a vehicle with four-wheel drive to avoid being isolated in bad weather. However, this is rather an exception.
We are and will remain mobile creatures, a rethinking of mobility is indispensable if we and future generations still want to be mobile in the future. After all, everyone has to find their way - hopefully with sufficient consideration for the environment in the future.
