The initiative, which establishes a legal framework for transforming combustion engine vehicles into electric ones, is seen as crucial for consolidating e-mobility in Chile.
The Chamber of Deputies approved the amendment with 129 votes in favour, four against, and four abstentions.
The reform not only regulates vehicle conversion but also sets penalties for unauthorised workshops conducting these transformations.
Presented by the government, the bill grants the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications the authority to approve workshops and facilities that carry out these conversions, ensuring that the process meets technical and road safety standards.
Having passed the first legislative stage, the bill now moves to the Senate, where it will undergo a second round of debate before becoming law. If enacted, it could formalise a practice already taking place in some workshops, helping accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the country.
Key Aspects of the Conversion Law for Improved E-Mobility
The bill establishes that vehicle conversions must comply with specific regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Transport. This regulation will define:
- The technical procedures required for conversion.
- The specifications based on vehicle type and model.
- The safety requirements to ensure the reliability of modifications.
The goal is to prevent irregular modifications that could compromise driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety. Additionally, it aims to ensure that all workshops conducting these adaptations meet the necessary technical standards, helping e-mobility progress in an organised manner.
To enforce compliance, the law introduces strict penalties for workshops that fail to adhere to regulations. Any authorised workshop that converts non-eligible vehicles or disregards the required standards will lose its authorisation.
Furthermore, vehicles converted without official certification may be removed from circulation by Carabineros, fiscal inspectors, or municipal authorities.
Drivers operating an uncertified converted vehicle face fines ranging from 1.5 to 3 Monthly Tax Units (UTM), approximately CLP $102,000 to CLP $204,000.
A Further Step Towards Sustainable Mobility in Chile
The approval of this law represents significant progress in Chile’s transport energy transition, allowing existing vehicles to be adapted for e-mobility instead of relying solely on the renewal of the vehicle fleet.
This measure could facilitate the electrification of taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, and work fleets, offering a cost-effective alternative for those unable to purchase a new electric vehicle.
Additionally, a clear regulatory framework will encourage the growth of a specialised vehicle conversion industry, generating employment and boosting technological development in the sector.
The bill will now be reviewed and voted on in the Senate, where potential amendments or improvements may be proposed.
Key topics for discussion include economic incentives to make conversions more affordable and the introduction of detailed regulations on the homologation of electric systems. These considerations will be crucial in furthering Chile’s national e-mobility strategy.
By moving forward with this initiative, Chile joins other countries that have implemented regulations for the conversion of internal combustion vehicles to electric, aligning with global emission reduction goals and promoting cleaner mobility.
The e-mobility debate in Chile continues to progress, and with this new legal framework, vehicle conversion is becoming an increasingly viable alternative in the transition towards sustainable transport.
