Hi Fabienne, could you please introduce the E-nova Mobility Experience to our readers in 100 words?

E-nova is an experiential fair dedicated to sustainable mobility, showcasing a comprehensive range of available transportation options. It's the first of its kind in Switzerland, held outdoors in public spaces, and focusing on all forms of mobility. Entry and test drives are free and easily accessible.

Despite the growing importance of sustainable mobility, there remains a significant amount of ignorance and many myths surrounding its technology. By providing opportunities to see, test, and experience future mobility, E-nova aims to help people overcome their own reservations, become more open to the subject, and discover the joy of sustainable transportation. Visitors are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and find solutions that fit their current life situations and budgets.

Mobility, alongside health, is a topic that affects everyone in their daily lives, regardless of how they travel. What obstacles do you see in the transition to environmentally friendly drive systems, micromobility and new services?

There are financial hurdles on one side and infrastructural challenges on the other. Many people still drive combustion vehicles and will only replace them when those vehicles reach the end of their lifespan. Additionally, numerous myths persist regarding the price-performance ratio, particularly concerning the range of electric vehicles (EVs), which causes hesitation in purchasing an EV or switching to other forms of transport.

Another significant challenge is the charging infrastructure. While the public network is continually expanding, the situation is more complicated with private charging stations. In Switzerland, less than 40% of the population owns their homes. Renters are unable to install a charging station at their rented parking space, leaving them dependent on property owners. However, the issue of"charging at home" is becoming increasingly less relevant, as some car manufacturers are already achieving ranges of up to 800 km, with others likely to follow, according to past trends. Moreover, various technological innovations are being rapidly developed. For instance, in Trondheim, Norway, a pilot project is underway to create the first wireless charging road for electric vehicles, allowing them to charge their batteries while driving.

As charging becomes faster, more convenient, simpler, more reliable, and increasingly cost-effective due to new technologies and infrastructure, there will be fewer reasons not to switch to EVs. Nevertheless, even with these advancements, concerns about power shortages or rationing in times of scarcity may still deter people from choosing an electric vehicle, as they fear it could restrict their personal freedom and flexibility.

Since the E-nova showcases future-proof and environmentally friendly mobility, do you place importance on making the event itself as eco-friendly as possible?

It's very important to us to organize the fair as sustainably as possible. With Aroma, an event builder from Zurich, we have an extremely experienced and local partner who equips E-nova with cubes made from sustainable and reusable wood. Exhibitors are also encouraged to set up their cubes as environmentally friendly as possible. Additionally, we largely avoid print products and giveaways, both in advance promotion and on-site.

Can you explain to us the type of clients joining the E-nova as an exhibitor?

At E-nova, we represent the full 360-degree spectrum of individual mobility solutions. As such, we have a diverse range of mobility providers and their product lines on-site. It’s not just manufacturers and importers of e-scooters, e-motorcycles, e-cars, micro-cars, cargo bikes, and e-bikes – there will also be vehicles powered by hydrogen, for example. Additionally, companies like Mobility, a car-sharing provider, and the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) will showcase and explain their visions and services. We feature everything from manufacturers of high-end vehicles to those offering affordable mobility solutions.

What innovations and trends will be presented at E-nova 2024?

Of course, every exhibitor will bring their latest and most exciting vehicles. Some models are already well-known, but there will also be some highlights that visitors will encounter for the first time at E-nova. These include the One Wheel from Urban Drive. This vehicle is not yet approved for Swiss roads, but it can be tested in a safe environment at E-nova. HYRYD will present innovative hydrogen bikes, and Lime is bringing the Glider, a vehicle that falls somewhere between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle.

Why is Zurich the right location for this type of fair?

Zurich attracts a large number of people from diverse backgrounds, making it an ideal location to reach a broad segment of the population. Moreover, many companies in the mobility sector are based in Zurich and the surrounding area, which makes the implementation of E-nova not only practical but also environmentally friendly. Many exhibitors don’t have to travel long distances with all their test vehicles. Zurich has always been a perfect place for innovation and pioneering spirit. This was confirmed last year when we were able to attract a large number of companies in a very short time for a fair that had never been done before.

Last year you started the E-Nova right in the middle of Zurich, tell us, where will we find you this year?

One of the most important elements of our fair format is that it takes place outdoors, in a public and easily accessible space, not in a hall. E-nova comes to the people, not the other way around. That's why we will again be located at Europaplatz, in the heart of Zurich, right next to the main train station. Since the fair is free and people can simply stroll between the stands, even passersby on their way to catch a train, go to work, shop in the city, grab a drink, or head to the cinema, can discover E-nova, take a spontaneous test drive in or on one of the many vehicles, and participate in the activations.

Sounds like a party to me - please describe to our MOTION readers the atmosphere of the weekend in Zurich.

Depending on the time of day, the atmosphere will either be bustling or relaxed and lively. There will certainly be many memorable moments for visitors, such as when they really hit the throttle on one of the e-scooters or in a brand-new e-car, or when a child wins the Kids E-Race and takes home a medal. We’re already very excited about all these highlights!

What's your personal favorite during the E-nova Mobility Experience?

Anything that’s fun! So, I don’t have a single favorite. I’m very excited about the wide and diverse selection of exhibitors and mobility options. Among all the activations, I’m particularly looking forward to the Kids E-Race, which we created in collaboration with our partner Autoscout24, giving children, as well as mobility-interested parents, a great reason to visit E-nova. My kids are already revved up and ready to go.

Thanks for your time Fabienne and we’ll see you and your team at the beginning of September at this year’s E-nova in Zurich.

‍Images courtesy E-nova and Fabienne Kleiner

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