Štěpán Vojtěch, co-owner of FEDERAL CARS, has been in the automotive world for 30 years. We were keen to hear his thoughts on the changes brought by electromobility and whether customers and car manufacturers are prepared for these changes.
What does electromobility mean to you?
I would describe it as the current trend. It’s a rapidly evolving sector and a significant challenge for everyone. My journey began as an authorised dealer for Peugeot, Volvo, Honda, and Mazda.
What direction do you think the market for electric cars and hybrids will take in the coming years?
I hope that after the initial push for unrealistic deadlines, things will be stabilising. The focus should shift to developing appealing variations with the customer in mind.
For me, plug-in hybrids are an interesting alternative. They offer clients the opportunity to familiarise themselves with electric driving and charging, but also allow them to operate with an internal combustion engine when needed.
We still have a lot of work ahead. For instance, the current charging infrastructure is, in my opinion, inadequate. Although there are many charging stations in the Czech Republic, their locations and accessibility are not ideal.
Do you consider this to be the biggest obstacle in the transition to electromobility?
I believe the biggest challenge is that electric cars simply do not suit everyone at the moment. Maybe not even the majority. We have a long way to go. Major innovations in battery technology and IT are certainly helping increase the number of electric cars on the road, but these cars are now more like computers on wheels.
Is it realistic for electric cars to become the main means of transport in urban areas by 2030, as predicted?
I don’t think so, at least not for passenger transport. In large urban areas, people still lack convenient charging options. If everyone returns home from work and lives in a large housing estate, mass charging won’t be feasible for some time. I see this as unrealistic, at least until 2030.
Public transport is a different story. Transport companies can use large electric buses, and they have facilities and garages for charging them, so the situation is different in that respect.
Is this one of the most common concerns customers have when buying?
Customers are most concerned about charging options, both at home and in public places. Price is also a major consideration. Car companies face significant challenges in transitioning to fully electric vehicles. Many decisions have been made hastily and without proper preparation.
The automotive industry had already undergone a significant evolution before the rise of electric mobility. At that time, things were relatively well planned. However, the rapid acceleration has led to confusion. I don’t think all investments were timely or well-directed.
At the same time, new business models are emerging alongside electric mobility. Although they are still in their early stages here, services like car-sharing and battery rental are already common elsewhere.
What would you recommend to those deciding between an electric car and a conventional vehicle with an internal combustion engine?
Definitely test drive the car and get a thorough explanation of its operation from experts. Every customer has specific needs, and an electric car isn’t for everyone. However, there are many misconceptions about electric cars, and development is advancing rapidly.
What do you think about the development of hydrogen cars as an alternative to electric cars?
Any alternative is beneficial because it introduces competition. However, hydrogen, in particular, seems to have several complications in practical use. It’s interesting to observe how major tech companies like Tesla and Apple are approaching electromobility.
It turns out that the computer is now a major component of the electric car. For traditional car manufacturers, this means necessary changes to remain competitive. Over time, I think there will be more integration between these segments and major companies.
When you look at the environmental impact of electric cars throughout their life cycle, are they really a “healthier” alternative?
Currently, I don’t think they are. We need to consider all factors, such as where the cars are charged and the sources of electricity. However, I believe advancements will quickly address these issues.
Štěpán Vojtěch (47)
Co-owner of FEDERAL CARS. He has been professionally involved in cars for over 30 years and has been racing for just as long. When he’s not driving, he enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, playing hockey, or travelling.
