Electric cars in Peru: a latent reality in the automobile market

In Peru, the trade of hybrid and electric cars is constantly growing. More and more brands are dispensing with their classic gasoline-powered models to opt for new generations of cars that care for the environment and seek to reduce carbon emissions. However, this new technology still seems far from being standardized, so questions arise that will be answered throughout this note.

A few days ago, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (minem) made official the news that said portfolio would be the first to use a new 100% electric car for institutional use that was transferred for a period of one year by the company BYD Motors.

As if that were not enough, a charging infrastructure made specifically for electric vehicles located in the district of San Borja was also released and was donated by the company Enel X Peru. The charging station has a maximum power of 44 kilowatts (KW) and a maximum current of 64 amps.

It is true that, for now, this type of initiative in our country serves to obtain indicators on the operation, effectiveness and efficiency of an electric car at the service of a State entity, as well as the modernization of the public sector that seeks to replicate models that , at present, already exist in European countries.

According to studies by the Automotive Association of Peru (AAP), in the ninth month of 2021 the sale of electric vehicles totaled 158 units, exceeding the level observed in September 2020 by 243.48% – the year in which the COVID-19 pandemic 19 had one of its largest outbreaks in Peru and the world.

From the Minem, the Supreme Decree No. 022-2020-EM through which “provisions on charging infrastructure and electric power supply for electric mobility” were approved, which aims to increase the use of electric cars in the country.

It is proven that maintaining electric cars not only requires optimized charging places, but also an environment that also participates in caring for the environment.

An example is the modern buildings that have certification LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which provides an independent verification of the sustainable characteristics of a building or urban development, which allows the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the same to be more efficient in the use of resources, of high performance, healthier and profitable.

This certificate applies not only to newly built single-family homes, but also rehabilitated buildings or even entire neighborhoods. There are currently different ecological buildings in Peru, approved by LEED certification, many of which they bring with them a parking lot for low-emission cars called ‘LEV parking lots’ (Low Emission Vehicles).

These new spaces not only allow hybrid and electric cars -which stop emitting kilos of CO2, unlike a car with a gasoline engine- to have their own places to park, but also facilitate their autonomy and, in some way, encourages the user to take a step towards new technologies in favor of the environment, because, unlike conventional parking lots, which in most cases are occupied, LEVs are exclusive and easy to obtain.

The increase in electric cars not only brings environmental benefits, but also represents, for Peru, a great advance in technology. Brands such as Ford, Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, Kia, among others, are some of which continue to develop hybrid and electric cars in Latin America.

When we talk about new technologies, we don’t just focus on mobile devices, laptops or video games, today technology also extends to all the components that are inside a car, from its mechanics.

From touch screens, batteries, virtual assistants to operating systems that seek user comfort and make the driver’s day-to-day life more everyday and healthier, because, as mentioned above, these cars reduce CO2 production by a large percentage.

For its part, it is necessary to point out that having electric cars on the streets of Peru would not only reduce emissions of Greenhouse gases (GHG), helping to mitigate climate change, but it would mean great fuel savings and lower maintenance costs.

In general terms, the increase in the sale of electric cars is an idea that suits the country in every aspect. Although it represents a still distant reality, the change between cars made with a fuel motor for an electric one is shown as an imminent situation in the passage of time.

Source-larepublica.pe