The Swiss Town of Zermatt Switched From Horses to Electric Vehicles

Zermatt, a quaint Swiss town, embodies the ideal vision of car-free urban spaces. Historically, due to its location and inaccessibility, Zermatt remained entirely devoid of cars until the 1980s, relying instead on horses and horse-drawn carriages for transportation. Zermatt’s solution to maintain its unique character was the adoption of electric vehicles…

Horses to Electric Vehicles

As the years go by, the world becomes more and more modern. Naturally, we’ve all had to adapt to these changes — including the Swiss town of Zermatt. There, businesses must adhere to strict criteria to secure permission for vehicle use. Not only that, but private car ownership is still prohibited.

The town’s layout was notably designed with carriages and horses in mind, meaning that the streets are narrow. Those who are unable to walk or bike must rely on taxis or public transportation to get around. Visitors arriving from elsewhere cannot park cars within the town. Instead, they must park outside and enter via electric-powered buses and/or trains. It’s worth noting that 71% of Switzerland’s energy comes from hydroelectric and nuclear power stations and 10% of that production comes from carbon-based fuels, which is pretty amazing.

Zermatt Is a Unique Town

Zermatt’s electric vehicles, characterized by their utilitarian van and trucklike designs, are exclusively manufactured by Stimbo Elektrofahrzeuge. The business was previously known as Taxi Imboden, a provider of carriage taxis meant to be drawn by horses. When the shift to electric vehicles began, the Imboden family opted to construct their aluminum vehicles equipped with lead-acid batteries for energy storage.

The custom-made EVs encompass a range of forms, from the traditional taxis — for which the family was renowned — to ambulances, tankers, and even police vehicles. Over time, these vehicles have evolved, embracing the latest technology with the integration of lithium-ion batteries. The inevitable sounds of traffic that exist in almost all cities are notably absent here in Zermatt. This absence is especially apparent when the town settles in for the night.