Circular Economy Symposium at Kyburz

One sentence characterized the 4th Circular Economy Symposium of Kyburz Switzerland AG: "The world is full of solutions!" said Louis Palmer in his speech. This sentence characterized the event, which was initiated by Martin Kyburz, founder and CEO of KYBURZ Switzerland AG. In addition to the production of electric vehicles, he is interested in the question of how science, technology and business can contribute to promoting happy coexistence in a healthy environment. The Circular Economy Symposium took place for the first time at KYBURZ's new headquarters. Sarah Andrina Schütz moderated the event in a spontaneous and lively manner.

Batteries with more range

The first speaker at this year's event was Prof. Dr. Maximilian Fichtner, the leading battery expert in Europe, who presented a generally understandable and scientifically sound comparison of vehicle drive systems. It became clear to those present that, from an energy consumption perspective, only battery electric vehicles have a future. "Driving 1800 km every day - there will soon be a solution," he said, summarizing the rapid development of battery technology.

Roger Nordmann (National Councillor 2004 - 2025) represented the political perspective. He emphasized the progress that the industry has made. "The battle has not been won, but results are visible," he said, pointing out that thanks to efficiency improvements, the demand for electricity in Switzerland has not increased in the last 20 years. At the same time, he called for investments such as those our ancestors dared to make decades ago when they built storage power plants, also to cope with the differences in consumption between summer and winter.

Around the world in a solar cab

This was followed by the appearance of the aforementioned Louis Palmer. He was the first person to drive around the world emission-free in his solar cab. With his presentation, he captivated the audience and motivated them not to be discouraged by his plans. With his current project, the SolarButterfly, he visits countless schools and talks about the effects of climate change and the steps children can take to stop it.

Marcel Gauch from Empa's Technology & Society Lab is a regular speaker at the Circular Economy Symposium. In his usual pointed manner, he questioned practices, pointed out future solutions and called for the technologies that already work today to be brought closer to society. Communication between science, industry and, above all, society proved to be a central point in a panel discussion, because "we have the technology!"

Former delivery vehicles with a new task

The Circular Economy Challenge awards ceremony also took place as part of the Circular Economy Symposium. In this competition, fifteen teams took up the challenge of launching a project from a disused postal vehicle. The results were impressive in terms of imagination, technology and innovation. The challenge was won by the "Kurzschluss Camper" team for their conversion into a complete camping vehicle. Other winners were a vehicle converted into a mobile pizza oven and a tool mobile with workshop, including power connection, work surface, vice and lighting.

KYBURZ Switzerland

As an SME with over 150 employees, KYBURZ Switzerland AG in Embrach near Zurich develops and produces high-quality electric vehicles for delivery and industrial companies as well as for private individuals. www.kyburz-switzerland.ch