There have been Geneva Motor Shows every March since 1905. Over the past 114 years, almost every combustion-powered auto has showcased there. As have benzene- and steam-powered ones early last century, and more recently electric vehicles. Exotic supercars draw the spotlights alongside prototypes, new equipment, technical breakthroughs, and international partnerships.
The Most Battery-Intensive of All Geneva Motor Shows
A lack of place-bound domination makes Geneva Motor Shows attractive to smaller businesses and innovators. The show also attracts independent political and social debates as Switzerland lacks an auto industry of its own. This is a good recipe for encouraging disruptive innovation.
This time, batteries will be more center-court than ever when it reopens on March 7, 2019. That’s because European emissions regulations are tightening the noose on gasoline. Accordingly, combustion vehicle makers will have to drastically reduce their carbon dioxide pollution or face harsh sanctions. However, selling electric and plug-in hybrids will soften this blow.
We Should See a Wonderland of New Ideas Emerging
“Small wonder then that carmakers are scrambling to develop new electric vehicles”, says James Attwood, deputy editor of Autocar magazine. “What we’ll see at Geneva, however, is a large number of plug-in hybrids, and an array of fully electric concepts” too.
He anticipates manufacturers will showcase what electric cars will be doing in the foreseeable future. Mercedes and Audi have been beavering away at electric people carriers, and compact SUV’s respectively.
While James Attwood expects “Lagonda will be showing off what it calls an all-terrain concept taking on luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However Automobili Pininfarina by Indian giant Mahindra may have the final say in terms of exhilarating power.
Its revolutionary new Batista has design top speed of 250 mph, and a range of 300 miles all on battery power. Don’t expect much room for your shopping because that’s the butler’s job in their electric people carrier.
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Preview Image: Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
