Chile, like other Latin American countries such as Colombia, is at the forefront of introducing e-buses in public transportation. It also stands out for the penetration of light electric vehicles in the automotive fleet.
In commemoration of World Electrics Vehicles Day, Parque Arauco S.A, in collaboration with Enel X Way and the National Automotive Association of Chile (ANAC), organized an event at Parque Arauco Kennedy’s Green Park titled “World Electric Vehicle Day: A Snapshot of the Market in Chile“.
During the event, the results of the monthly report on sales of zero-emission and low-emission vehicles in Chile were unveiled.
The report analyzed projections for the electrified automotive market and also revealed a map of charging points across the country.
ANAC’s monthly study highlights that registrations of such vehicles reached unprecedented numbers in August 2023.
Specifically, self-propelled hybrid models (HEV) recorded 612 registered units, reflecting a 247% growth compared to the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) also showed increasing figures with 73 registrations and an 87% monthly increase.
On the other hand, fully electric models (BEV) saw 81 units sold, with a total of 887 registered units, translating to an 8.3% growth, the best result achieved so far.
The report also reveals that when segmented, the consolidated results continue to be positive in the national market, with pickup trucks increasing by 371%, SUVs by 150%, commercial vehicles by 11%, and passenger vehicles by 36%.
Regarding projections, it is anticipated that by the end of 2023, the total sales of electrified vehicles (combining EV and PHEV) will reach 0.6%, and it will rise to 1.3% by the year 2024.
Diego Mendoza, the Secretary-General of ANAC, commented:
“In Chile, we have a fleet of 4,610 electrified vehicles, including both 100% electric and plug-in hybrids. Our goal, known as 5/5, is to achieve a 5% market share exclusively with electrified vehicles by 2025.”
“Currently, we are at 0.55% of total sales with electrified vehicles, which is still relatively low but on the rise, considering the overall decline in the internal combustion engine market. To meet the 5/5 goals and promote this technology further, we need to make additional incentives targeted at users,” he added.
In this context, and as part of its commitment to multiple initiatives promoting the use of renewable energy and sustainability, Parque Arauco and Enel X Way inaugurated the Green Park in the -1 and -2 parking lots of Parque Arauco Kennedy in March 2023.
This site has become the largest electric vehicle charging center in Latin America, with 170 enabled charging points.
To date, over 500 different electric vehicles have used this location, with more than 2,200 average charges completed and an average usage time of approximately 2.4 hours.
Vehicles using Green Park have traveled over 37,000 kilometers per month, resulting in a monthly savings of over 8,600 KgCO2, equivalent to 8.6 tons.
All of this represents a significant step in the company’s decarbonization agenda, aimed at encouraging the use of zero and low-emission vehicles around its shopping centers.
Andrés Torrealba, General Manager of Parque Arauco Division Chile, stated, “As a company, we are constantly working on initiatives aligned with our corporate sustainability strategy to contribute to environmental protection and global decarbonization.
The opening of Green Park is a clear example of this, positioning us as pioneers in the field, and we are continuously evaluating opportunities to replicate such initiatives in other assets.
We hope that more people gradually adopt the use of these types of vehicles, and we invite more users to come and charge at our charging center.”
During the event, Enel X Way presented an updated map illustrating the development of electric charging points across Chile.
They highlighted that there are currently 450 public charging points installed by the company in the country, positioning Chile, according to the International Energy Agency’s studies, as one of the nations with the highest charger-to-electric-vehicle ratio on the streets.
Jean Paul Zalaquett, the Electric Mobility Manager for Enel X Way in Latin America, commented:
“Electromobility is advancing and strengthening in all areas of transportation, with increasing industries embracing its uses and benefits. Our mission at Enel X Way is to facilitate, enhance, and accelerate this transition that has placed Chile at the forefront in the region in leading the way towards sustainable development”
“On World Electric Vehicle Day, we are pleased to announce that the Carretera Austral now boasts 17 charging stations for electric vehicles provided by Enel X Way for residents and visitors,” he added.
The event also featured the presence of the Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, who discussed the Roadmap for the Advancement of Electromobility in Chile, recently presented by the government.
He stated: “We are working with a focus on electrifying public transportation and SMEs, where fiscal expenditure yields the greatest return. We also need to promote residential customer incentives”.
“In a country where the export of used vehicles is not characteristic, this presents a logistical challenge. We must ensure that the introduction of new electric vehicles does not lead to a higher total number of vehicles on the roads,” he added.
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