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World's Largest Electric Vehicle Rally Begins In Switzerland
The 1,600-km event follows the route of the Swiss Grand Tour, which has recently been offered with 300 electric charging points along mountain passes and lakeside roads.
Scores of drivers of electric vehicles (EVs), some in superhero or wacky costumes, embarked on a weeklong rally around Switzerland as part of a grassroots movement to fight global warming.
The world's largest electric vehicle rally in its seventh edition is the brainchild of an environment-conscious Swiss former teacher who wants to promote plug-in vehicles over carbon-emitting internal combustion engines.
Teams from 10 countries will participate in the seventh WAVE -- world advanced vehicle expedition trophy organised by Swiss electric vehicle pioneer Louis Palmer. The EV rally takes the teams over 1,600km in eight days. It began in downtown Zurich with a ceremony among EV enthusiasts.
"We want to raise awareness about electric vehicles and what they can do," said Palmer, who has promoted alternative fuels by driving around the world in a solar-powered car.
He added, "We can show that these cars are fun, reliable and working, and you can drive a car without a bad conscience."
A total of 112 trucks, cars, motorbikes and strange three-wheeled, all electric-powered, are riding in what's billed as one of a kind rally in the world.
This year's event stars vehicles such as a 1960s Citroen 2CV and a converted VW camper van. One team is utilising their Tesla car to tow an electric-powered boat, while electric motorbikes and pushbikes will also take part.
The vehicles must run on electricity during the rally and travel at least 250km per day. Recharging stations dot the route. Close to half of the vehicles this year are from Switzerland, while more than one-quarter come from Germany. Also, countries such as Austria, Italy, France, Romania and Morocco are taking part in the rally.
Teams will visit schools and towns on their route, with challenges along the trip including a speed trophy at a former military airfield and competitions for the best-painted car as well as the best blog.
An electronic-powered two-seater inspired by the bubble cars of the 1960s, Microlino, built by Oliver Ouboter will take to the road.
Another participant is Fabian Wyssmann, whose Designwerk company has designed an electric-powered garbage wagon.
He said, "For us, it's really important to show you can drive around Switzerland with an electric vehicle. A normal garbage truck uses up to 100 litres per 100 km, which is a really dirty business."
