
Minami Kotani
From left to right: Mr. Shimon Goto, Mr. Hidetoshi Cho, Ms. Minami Kotani, Prof. Thomas Sauter-Servaes, Dr. Felix Moesner
While many industries have made significant strides in reducing their environmental impact over the past 30 years, the transport sector remains a major contributor to emissions. Switzerland has seen a 19% increase in emissions since 1990, while Europe has experienced an even steeper 30% rise. The transport sector now accounts for nearly 45% of total emissions, making it Switzerland’s leading contributor to climate impact. Notably, 97% of land transport emissions come from road traffic, with passenger cars responsible for 72% of these emissions.
Understanding the Transportation Challenge
Despite the increasing availability of alternative transport options, car ownership remains deeply ingrained in Swiss society. Prof. Thomas Sauter-Servaes highlighted the reasons behind the private car’s enduring popularity:
Rather than declining, car ownership in Switzerland continues to rise, and vehicles are getting larger, further complicating efforts to reduce emissions.
Innovative Approaches: EMOBI’s Vision for Micro-Mobility
Founded in 2020, EMOBI is developing sustainable, hardware-centric solutions to transform mobility through off-grid systems. Their strategy focuses on creating self-sufficient micro-mobility zones powered by renewable energy. The company has already deployed 100 vehicles across Japan, with a focus on the Shonan and Okinawa regions. Strategic partnerships with Japan Railways East and All Nippon Airways have enabled the placement of EMOBI’s vehicles at train stations, airports, and hotels. By 2026, EMOBI aims to expand its fleet to 1,000 vehicles, contributing to a more integrated and sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
EV Motor Japan: Pioneering Commercial EV Solutions
Since its founding in 2019, EV Motor Japan has been at the forefront of commercial EV production, specializing in buses and trucks. With offices in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, the company has experienced remarkable growth:
Moving Toward a Sustainable Future
Innovation in micro-mobility and commercial EVs is gaining momentum. However, overcoming systemic challenges—such as energy production methods and battery sustainability—will require ongoing commitment and cross-sector cooperation. The discussions highlighted both the complexities and the opportunities of this transformation, reinforcing the importance of sustainable mobility in shaping our future.
Minami Kotani