Rinspeed zaZen – vision of the future automobile unveiled

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy with its Swiss Energy programme has promoted the use of natural gas and biogas for more than ten years. Research activities were initially promoted. This was followed by pilot and demonstration trials with compogas in the canton of Zurich. Some 100 vehicles were put into operation. In the meantime, the Swiss natural gas industry is expanding the fuel station network to over 70 units which led to a marked increase in the demand of natural gas vehicles.

Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Rinspeed AG and Swiss Energy have collaborated in promoting natural gas and biogas as fuels for five years. The concept vehicles by Rinspeed AG give the public the visionary option of using natural gas as a fuel. The vehicle study involving the VW Touran EcoFuel shows a similar realisation option. The third vehicle, the VW Caddy Life EcoFuel is a natural gas vehicle which can be purchased on the market or which will soon be available.

Supply in Europe is no problem

Natural gas and biogas used as fuels is another step on the way to reducing the world economy’s dependence on crude oil and to minimising the particulate matter problem of our society. Therefore, the high environmental potential of natural gas and biogas will not only contribute to a reduction of the burdening by soot, nitrogen oxides, CO2 and hydrocarbons in a steady state, but also on the road. The more natural gas vehicles on our roads, the less economic damage will be caused by motor exhaust fumes. In addition, natural gas motors generate less noise than conventional aggregates. The drive technologies of natural gas vehicles are fully developed and tested on the market. The major brands already have several models with natural gas drives in their programmes. It is important for the consumer that the manufacturer warranties prescribed by the legislator are fully granted. Furthermore, supply of natural gas and biogas is ensured around the clock thanks to the continued expansion of the fuel station network in Switzerland and Europe.