The Fire Department of Santiago de Chile signed the “Commitment to Electromobility” by presenting the first electric vehicles that will be added to its fleet.
The initiative is promoted by SQM, Copec, Kia and BMW with important financing and technological support to contribute to the environment and offer quality to the fire department’s vehicles.
The acquisition corresponds to new emergency vehicles, training in electric car accidents and the promotion of electromobility.
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Public-private Alliance
SQM, Copec and BMW participated financially to complete the US$1.5 million investment involved in the initiative.
This alliance with the private company is an example of the motivation of the Santiago Fire Department to add machinery with less contaminating energies.
This year, the institution confirmed that it is in the process of acquiring the first electric fire engine in Latin America, which the Austrian brand Rosenbauer is expected to put into circulation on the streets of the capital during 2025.
Juan Pablo Doñas, Copec‘s Corporate Affairs Manager, added that on the road to electromobility for Firefighters they seek to be an important support.
“We will take advantage of all the experience gained with Copec Voltex, in electric charging infrastructure in the network throughout the country, in solutions for industries and residences, and from there contribute with what we know how to do,” he added.
José Miguel Berguño, SQM‘s VP of Corporate Services, said that the company supports all initiatives that advance sustainability.
“An example of this is SQM’s collaboration in the acquisition of an electric fire truck for the Santiago Fire Department, which places Chile at the forefront of electromobility. In addition, this is a clear demonstration of the sense of sustainable lithium production, since this is a pump car that works with lithium batteries and, therefore, is a contribution to decarbonization on a global scale,” he explained.
Pablo Cortés de Solminihac, Superintendent of the Santiago Fire Department, pointed out that during its 160-year history, the institution has been characterized by being at the forefront of the community’s needs.
“It was thus 150 years ago that it brought the first automobile pump to Latin America. Today, aware of the negative effects of climate change and the need to find different energy solutions, we want to advance in electromobility and contribute to sustainable development, together with joining the National Strategy that the government has outlined in this regard,” he said.
