Business use case
E-car sharing: Canton Obwalden leads the way
22.11.2023
Diminutive Canton Obwalden has big plans for the future where energy’s concerned. The most recent example is its “Obwalden teilt” (Obwalden shares”) e-car sharing initiative, which is aimed at residents and tourists alike.
Canton Obwalden has seven municipalities that all have one thing in common: Alpnach, Engelberg, Giswil, Kerns, Lungern, Sachseln and Sarnen are all certified energy cities. “We attach great importance to this label and are proud of it,” declares Josef Hess, President of the Cantonal Government in Obwalden. “The label is a proof of performance and proof that our municipalities exemplify and implement a sustainable municipal energy policy.” And this should continue to be the case in the future. “Trends in recent years have made the importance of energy efficiency and a secure energy supply clear to everyone,” says the head of the Department of Construction and Spatial Development.
Obwalden has decided to tackle the associated issues in a bid to meet upcoming challenges in the energy sector as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Founded in 2023, the Obwalden Energy Region Association brings together all of the canton’s municipalities, its electricity utility (EWO) and its specialist energy unit. “The Association forms the basis and decides on the funding of joint activities in the energy sector,” explains Josef Hess.
E-car sharing at all railway stations
An initiative to promote e-mobility is currently demonstrating what such activities can look like. Under the motto “Obwalden shares” had new car sharing stations built throughout the canton in collaboration with the Mobility cooperative, Zentralbahn (zb) and other partners. At least one Mobility electric vehicle is stationed at Sarnen, Alpnach, Giswil, Lungern and Engelberg railway stations and in the centre of Kerns. The railway station locations were a conscious choice says Josef Hess says: “With this initiative, we want to promote not only electric driving, but also combined mobility.”
The e-car sharing project is not about banning private cars completely. “Communities in our canton are spread out, which is why having a car is still important, especially for those living outside the main urban centres. But if only a few families do without their second car in the future, we will already have achieved a lot.” And indeed: “We know of several households that have sold their second car and are now increasingly focusing on alternative forms of mobility.”
E-car sharing a hit with tourists
Hess also sees immense potential in the tourism sector. “Last year in Engelberg alone, we registered around 11’000 kilometres with the e-car sharing vehicle – 75% of the distance was covered by tourists.” Hess says: “In urban areas, one in two households doesn’t have their own car, but many are Mobility customers. This is exactly where our new Service points.” This has also been recognised by the hotel and tourism companies, which would place greater emphasis on e-car sharing in their marketing activities.
The Obwalden cantonal president feels certain that sustainable energy schemes such as the e-car sharing initiative are ecologically sound as well as economically beneficial. “If you calculate the cost of a private car in full, there is no doubt that this is the more expensive option in most cases.” This is one of the reasons why Hess and his wife decided to part with their second car a few years ago. “There are simply many good alternatives nowadays.” He prefers to travel to work from Alpnach to Sarnen by e-bike anyway.
The Energiestadt label
Launched in 1991, the Energiestadt (Energy City) label is awarded to urban centres and municipalities that actively engage with energy and climate policies at a municipal level. They share the conviction that local engagement is needed to tackle the energy and climate crisis. Awardees of the label cannot simply rest on their laurels, however. “There's a re-audit every four years to confirm the ongoing quality and continuous engagement of each municipality,” explains Energiestadt advisor Reto Rigassi. Energestadt is not only a label, but also a working tool: It helps municipalities in the energy sector to identify the most suitable measures for them and to implement them efficiently. Energiestadt offers resources and provides experts by way of support.