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40 years of the “floor tower” – a Swiss pioneer realization in terms of solar mobility
The exhibition “40 years of the floor tour” at the Swiss Transport Museum presents around twenty original vehicles dating from the years 1985 to 1993, ranging from experimental racing cars to prototypes adapted to daily use. It commemorates the first race for solar vehicles in the world and highlights its lasting influence on current forms of electric mobility.
Organized by the Swiss Society for Solar Energy (SSES), the “floor tower” was a world premiere in 1985. This began as a visionary advertising campaign quickly became an international event. Exhibition shows how the pioneering spirit, creativity and conviction have triggered a movement whose effects are still felt today, especially in the boom in electric bikes, the emergence of small efficient vehicles or the combination of photovoltaics and mobility.
The inauguration in the presence of witnesses of the time recalls the beginnings and calls for new impetus in favor of solar energy
On June 28, 2025, the exhibition was inaugurated with great fanfare at the Museum of Transport, in the presence of numerous pioneers and pioneers from the start. In their speeches, they recalled the beginnings of solar mobility, praised the spirit of innovation of the time and underlined the news of the themes addressed. Thomas Nordmann, then head of the Tour de Sol, added: “40 years ago, the floor tour was a utopia on wheels – today is a reality on the road. The sun does not send us invoices, but nature is starting to send us. It is therefore all the more important to invest now in the future: in solar energy, electric mobility and an intelligent policy. Because doing nothing will cost more than taking precautions. ”
“The ground tour was and remains a flagship of solar energy. He showed what it is possible to do with the power of the sun yesterday as today, “said Urs Scheuss, director general of the Swiss Society for Solar Energy (SSES). The Swiss Transport Museum also highlighted the importance of this historic chapter in Swiss technical history. “The ground tour is an impressive example of the spirit of innovation that characterizes our country. It was here, in front of the Museum of Transport, that the queen stage ended in 1986 with a solar vehicle on the Lidostrasse, “said Ute Dotti, responsible for exhibitions and collections.
Urs Muntwyler, co -organizer of the first editions, summed up: “The birthday exhibition gives an overview of a pioneer phase of solar and electric mobility. At the time, Switzerland was an important engine for the breakthrough of solar electricity production – and it can become again. ”
The “floor tower” – an innovation laboratory on wheels
The “floor tower” was more than a simple race: it was a mobile test field for new concepts of vehicles, solar technologies and propulsion systems. From 1985 to 1993, many ideas were created, which then became marketable products – many of them still mark electric mobility today.
Selection of innovations from the “floor tower”
Electric tricycles for the last kilometer
Martin Kyburz, Kyburz Switzerland AG
The current electrical tricycles of La Poste find their origin in the experiences acquired during the floor turn.
High performance propulsion systems for electric cars
Josef Brusa, Brusha electronic AG
Development of systems used worldwide for batteries and power electronics.
Light construction for greater autonomy
Max Horlacher, Horlacher AG
Efficient vehicle bodywork thanks to innovative light construction technology.
Twike – Electric mobility as VI philosophye
Ralph Schnyder, Fine Mobile GmbH
Three -wheeled light vehicle focused on durability and energy efficiency.
Asolar ccumulator with water heater
Josef Jenni, Jenni Energietechnik AG
Development of solar storage solutions ready to be produced in series.
Systems technology for standard vehicles
Marco Piffaretti, Designwerk Technologies AG
Sophisticated electrical propulsion systems for the market.
Solar bikes and alternative vehicle concepts
Jean-Pierre Jäggi & Ralph Schnyder
Integration ready to be produced in series of photovoltaic technology and cycling technology.
VEffective solar racing.
René Jeanneret & Paul Balmer
Multiple winner of the World Solar Challenge in collaboration with the Haute École specialized Bernese.
Unconventional ideas for solar and electric mobility
Paul Schweizer
Inventive spirit and creative solutions for the integration of solar energy into vehicles.
Unconventional and unusual vehicles – and a lot of pioneering spirit:
To discover now in the exhibition.
Contact
Musée Suisse des Transports Beatrice Rüttimann, responsable communication d’entreprise Tél. 041 375 74 72, tél. 079 622 00 37 [email protected] www.verkehrshaus.ch/fr
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