CharIN, the global consortium promoting the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard – also known as “Type 2” – aims to establish this format as the universal language for electromobility in the region.
The lack of a common standard, which already causes headaches in Europe and the United States, could become an insurmountable obstacle in Latin American countries, where charging infrastructure is still in its infancy.
However, according to CharIN, this initial disadvantage could serve as an opportunity to avoid mistakes and lay a solid foundation for the future.
“Establishing a unified charging system not only makes life easier for users, but also reduces costs and accelerates the transition to sustainable mobility,” explains Matías Díaz, CharIN’s Regional Director in Chile, during Strategic Energy Corp’s Leaders series.
Why is CCS the strongest contender?
CCS is not just another connector; it is a technology designed to become the global standard.
It enables charging with both alternating and direct current, meeting the needs of everyday users as well as commercial vehicles requiring fast charging.
What truly sets it apart is its ability to communicate between the car and the power grid, a key tool for integrating electric vehicles into smart energy systems.
Currently, Latin America’s landscape is fragmented: some countries, like Brazil, already have proposals to regulate standards, while in others, like Argentina, the market is still in its early stages.
CharIN’s proposal is for the entire region to adopt CCS as the standard to ensure interoperability and avoid a patchwork of incompatible solutions.
Charging infrastructure: A field yet to be conquered
Today, public charging infrastructure in Latin America is sparse and disorganised.
According to industry data, countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Chile lead in the number of charging stations, but their figures fall short of meeting the demands of a growing electric fleet.
In Argentina, for example, there are fewer than 300 registered public charging points, a stark contrast to the thousands in Europe.
The shortage of stations isn’t just a matter of investment; it’s also the lack of a common standard that ensures any car can charge at any point.
“Interoperability is key. If we keep allowing each brand to install its own system, the transition to electric vehicles will be slow and frustrating for users,” warns the executive.
A model to follow: eBuses in Santiago de Chile
Amid these challenges, there are promising examples. Santiago de Chile, has become a regional benchmark with its fleet of electric buses, now exceeding 1,000 units, making it the city with the largest electric transport network outside of China.
While this success stems from decisive public policy, it also highlights the advantages of adopting clear standards from the start.
In contrast, cities like Bogotá are progressing more slowly, with fragmented initiatives that have yet to consolidate a unified charging system.
“In each city, there is a unique framework, and that creates a bottleneck for the expansion of electrification,” Díaz notes.
The potential of batteries and renewable energy
CharIN is also betting that adopting CCS will enable a circular economy around second-life batteries.
In countries like Chile, which generates large-scale solar energy, these batteries could be crucial for storing surplus production and enhancing grid stability.
“Electromobility isn’t just about cars; it’s also a key piece in the transition to a sustainable energy system. Adopting a standard like CCS also means thinking about how to make better use of available resources,” emphasises the expert.
A call to action: Regional cooperation
The challenge for Latin America is significant. Achieving interoperability in electric charging requires not only technical agreements but also political will and collaboration among governments, companies, and international organisations.
“We have a unique opportunity to get things right from the start. If we unite as a region and adopt CCS as the standard, it will not only be easier for users but also position us as leaders in the energy transition,” concludes Díaz.
Watch the full interview:
