Electric vehicles could soon be banned in Switzerland if they are not making essential journeys, according to a report.
The Telegraph reported Switzerland could be banning the vehicles under a “COVID lockdown-style plan” to address an energy crisis.
The government has reportedly drafted emergency proposals that could require buildings to heat to no more than 20 degrees Celsius, shops to reduce their hours and the limiting of streaming services.
The Telegraph noted the “strictest measures,” used to avoid a blackout, include a ban on sports matches, concerts and theatre performances.
The report points out Switzerland is “bracing for an energy crisis this winter due to its reliance on imports to sustain the country through the colder months.”
Hydroelectric power makes up roughly 60% of the country’s energy supply.
The New York Times reported on Monday Europe has spent months preparing for a winter without the resource of Russian gas amid the country’s war with Ukraine.
Additionally, Europeans have reportedly been stockpiling fuel and advocating for conservation tactics in hopes of having enough energy to keep power grids on, the Times explained.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, regional director for the World Health Organization, said last month, “Put simply, this winter will be about survival.”
He suggested the following months could be “life-threatening for millions of Ukrainians.”
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of U.S. Army Europe, explained by making Ukraine “uninhabitable in the wintertime, they are potentially sending millions more Ukrainians to Europe.”
He added, “That would put pressure on European governments. The hope is that Europe, in turn, would pressure Kyiv.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently accused Russia of “energy terror” while speaking to the United Nations Security Council.
NPR also reported Monday Russian airstrikes have knocked out electricity and water in several Ukrainian cities where residents are currently facing sub-freezing temperatures, citing Ukrainian officials.
