How many are there? How much do they cost? Is it doable? X-ray of the electric and hybrid car market in Chile

World Electric Vehicle Day is a practically new event. It has only taken place since 2020, every September 9, with the aim of raising awareness among new generations about the use of sustainable vehicles, which do not emit polluting gases, such as those powered 100% by batteries.

Despite the young age of the date, it is gaining more importance every year among the various actors linked to the automotive industry, which seeks to decarbonize before the end of the decade. A challenge of older words and for which there is still a lot to do. And it is that in order for electric cars to become widespread, it is not only enough to increase their supply, but it is also necessary to fulfill a series of conditions.

In anticipation of the commemoration of this day, today we take a look at electromobility in Chile, supply, demand, advantages and disadvantages of this type of vehicle, as well as market projections. All this, to find out to what extent it is now possible to get into an electric car in our country?

According to the latest report on sales of low- and zero-emission vehicles from the National Automobile Association of Chile (Anac), this year 887 electric cars (BEVs) were sold between January and August, representing an increase of 8 .3% compared to the same period of 2022.

For their part, rechargeable hybrids (PHEV) although they recorded the best month in their history in August with 73 registrations and a monthly increase of 87%; in the cumulative annual record a drop of 13%, with 261 copies.

Thus, currently electrified vehicles (with plug, BEV and PHEV together) total 1,148 locations, which translates to 0.55% of total sales in the Chilean automotive market, which so far this year has recorded 210,576 units. .

“In Chile, we have an electrified fleet of 4,610 vehicles, plus 100% electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Our union has the objective of what we have called 5/5, that is to say that in 2025 we have a market share of 5%, exclusively with electrified vehicles. Today, we are still at a low index, but it is up, which is positive. However, to achieve this goal and spread this type of technology, we must make an effort of additional user-centric incentives,” said Diego Mendoza, Secretary General of Anac, as part of the celebration of the “ World Electric Vehicle Day”. “. .

Although the prices of electric cars are still much higher than those of combustion models, the supply of these cars and plug-in hybrids has increased in the national market. Here we show you the 10 best-selling and 10 cheapest models that exist on the market today.

By observing the current sales figures for electrified cars and placing them in the general scenario, we see that the penetration of this type of vehicle is still very marginal in our country. The reasons for its low presence could well be found in the study on electromobility prepared by Volvo Car Chile and Almabrands, which looks at the consumer’s point of view.

With a total of 16 in-depth interviews and 423 online surveys, the sample profile took into account men and women between the ages of 25 and 70, current owners of plug-in hybrid and electric cars (20%), as well as as potential users of this technology, in order to gather information on their perceptions and knowledge of electromobility.

Thus, the study showed that ignorance is one of the main obstacles to advancing towards the future of zero-emission mobility. 55%, i.e. more than half of those questioned, declare having little or no knowledge on this subject, considering the lack of information as the main argument for not entering this segment.

Considering this, the report indicates that the greater the knowledge, the greater the willingness to buy. This means that one of the big challenges revolves around communication and how to encourage the segments that are less involved in this issue. For example, women in the regions aged 45 to 54, who, according to the study, have the least information on this subject.

Another obstacle is related to the fact that electromobility is perceived as a technology that is not easily accessible to people. 42% of respondents indicate that electric mobility is not within everyone’s reach. The high cost and taxes associated with this type of vehicle are seen as an “unjustified punishment” for those wishing to make the transition to electromobility.

Currently, the price of zero-emission cars in Chile has an average value of 59 million pesos, compared to 23 million pesos that a combustion model could cost.

Similarly, the study points out that one in three respondents would be ready to buy an electric car.

The report also speaks of a freight network that is not progressing as expected, estimating that 15% of respondents consider this to be one of the barriers to entry.

Finally, expectations of greater range for this type of vehicle become relevant when considering entering the segment, since 8% of respondents believe that electric range is not sufficient for long journeys.

“At Volvo Car Chile, we are very pleased to contribute to the first consumer-focused electromobility study, work we have done in collaboration with Almabrands and which aligns with our brand goal of promoting a personal, sustainable and safe mobility,” said Rodrigo Espinoza. , director of Volvo Car Chile, adding that: “Even if electromobility has made significant progress, there is still a lot to do in our country, which is why we are convinced that the different actors must generate a collective effort to promote their development. “.

In Green Park, the largest public electric car charging center in Latin America (inaugurated last March by Enel X Way and Parque Arauco SA), the event to celebrate the “World Electric Vehicle Day” took place, which was characterized by the presence of the Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, who deepened the Roadmap for the development of electromobility in Chile, recently presented by the government.

In this regard, he pointed out that: “we are working with a focus on the electrification of public transport and SMEs, which are the areas where tax expenditures have a higher return. We must also make progress in encouraging residential customers. In addition, in a country where the export of used vehicles is not something that characterizes us, it is also a logistical challenge, since it must be considered that the incorporation of new electric vehicles cannot entail a greater total number of vehicles in circulation.

That said, and as a reminder, the Government’s Roadmap proposes 5 strategic axes:

1. Charging infrastructure: A public charging infrastructure master plan will be created by macro-zones at the national level. There will also be charging stations within 100 km. on interurban routes, as well as progress in the development of an interoperability platform and the update of the RIC 15 specification, already in progress, have been included.

2. Public transport and decentralization: approximately 100 new electric buses will be implemented for the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo and Biobío; approximately 1,000 new vehicles under the Mi Taxi Eléctrico program for the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, O’Higgins and Biobío; in addition to 1,000 zero-emission buses for the Metropolitan Region and the strengthening of the Renew your Collective program.

3. Education and formation : there will be training for transport unions, the strengthening of current and new profiles for the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles and the installation of chargers, as well as 250 new training grants in electromobility.

4. Road safety: The new driver’s handbook will be updated to qualify for the Class B license with topics associated with electromobility and emergency assistance protocols and safety information for heavy vehicles.

5. Regulation: Interministerial coordination and regulatory revisions will be encouraged, which will allow the development of a bill that promotes an accelerated penetration of electromobility with measures, such as the obligation to install chargers in buildings, the processing and other issues.

Even if we are still light years away from a 100% electrified fleet, it is clear that the combined effort of all sectors of the industry will be essential to accelerate its conversion to zero-emission mobility.