Switzerland is considering a series of strict measures to conserve electricity that would be implemented if the nation experiences an energy shortage.
If the proposal is finalized, during a worst-case energy emergency, drivers would be allowed to use electric vehicles only for essential journeys.
Nevertheless, some social media users are misconstruing the policies under consideration, claiming the country has banned electric vehicles outright.
"Switzerland will not allow anymore electric cars," reads text in a Dec. 5 Facebook post (direct link, archive link). "Why? Power grid can’t handle it. Hear that libtards!
Various iterations of this claim accumulated thousands of shares on social media.
But the claim is incorrect. The proposal is only a draft, and if enacted, the rule limiting the use of electric vehicles would apply only during a severe energy crisis.
USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post.
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According to the draft proposal, Switzerland would move to a three-phase system of restrictions during an energy shortage. Electric vehicles would be limited if the country reached the final, most prohibitive phase. During that period, drivers could use them only for essential trips.
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