Since 2017, Chile is one of the pioneer countries in electric mobility within Latin America. Strategies and incentives from the public sector and large investments from the private sector, place the country at the forefront in these zero-emission technologies.
Precisely six years ago, the National Electromobility Strategy was introduced, in which the electrification of public transportation -mainly buses- played a key role.
The plan was updated in 2021 with more ambitious goals, such as the requirement that all new additions to urban public transport must be zero-emission by 2035, as well as the sale of light vehicles.
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New Corridor
This 2023 also began with good news as the new corridor with 107 new electric buses entering the Metropolitan Region’s public transport system came into operation.
The fleet will have the support and charging infrastructure of Enel X Chile through electroterminals that are equipped to cover the energy demand, and a system of charging points that allow electricity to be supplied in a flexible way.
“This public-private effort is a new sign that it is possible to accelerate the goal of electrifying 100% of Santiago’s public transport by 2040,” said Karla Zapata, General Manager of Enel X Chile.
Scope
The new electric buses will benefit more than 55 thousand people in nine municipalities: Maipú, Estación Central, Santiago, Ñuñoa, Peñalolén, Pudahuel, Cerro Navia, Quinta Normal and Lo Prado.
The new fleet to be operated by SUBUS will not only reduce the environmental impact and combat pollution in the city, but will also generate operational savings of approximately 70% compared to diesel buses.
The electric units, besides not emitting emissions and reducing noise levels, also have the advantages of a transport with universal accessibility with ramp, kneeling suspension systems, double and preferential seats, yellow and corrugated demarcated pillars for people with limited vision, anti-trap door system, among other features.
