Learn about the advantages of electromobility
Car-free day is a date in which you can help to reduce the carbon footprint in cities and to encourage sustainable mobility. Therefore, for us as a company we are keen for you to know what sustainable mobility is about and all the benefits that it entails for you and the environment.
World Car Free Day, which falls on every September 22, was first celebrated in 1998 and seeks to reduce the use of internal combustion vehicles in order to lower air pollution levels.
World Car Free Day also seeks to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport, such as bicycles, public transportation and, of course, electromobility.
What does electromobility consist of?
Electromobility consists of integrating new electric-powered transport technologies ranging from bicycles, scooters, motorcycles to cars. Electric-powered transport has become one of the main drivers worldwide to mitigate our impact on the environment and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Electromobility is also a cornerstone of the transition to cleaner energy and the construction of smart cities.
Three reasons to switch to electromobility
The benefits of sustainable mobility in Latin America go beyond just preferential parking and electric charging points and extend to environmental, social and economic aspects.
The use of electric vehicles and car free days help reduce emissions of particulate matter and CO2, improve air quality and therefore lead to a decrease in respiratory, visual and cardiovascular diseases.
Noise pollution is reduced, which benefits society as a whole, since electric cars are virtually silent.
In economic terms, it is important to note that electric energy is cheaper than using fossil fuels.
If you are thinking of buying an electric vehicle there is a range of different private and public alternatives as well as heavy duty loaders.
Four types of private electric vehicles
· Electric bicycles: have a battery and a pedal-assist system, which allows you to combine exercise with daily commuting. Different models can give you between 30 and 80 kilometers of autonomy, depending on the battery, and travel at up to 25 km/h.
· Scooters: are a sustainable and practical transport alternative that are light and easy to carry and give you autonomy of 20-60 kilometers.
· Motorcycles: one of the advantages of motorcycles is that they are silent, save fuel and, depending on their model and brand, give you autonomy of between 80 - 120 kilometers.
· Electric cars: have more efficient engines than internal combustion cars and give you autonomy of 200 - 600 kilometers, which varies according to the brand and battery of the vehicle.
What electric vehicles are available for public services and cargo transportation?
There are also electric vehicles available for companies and cities, such as trucks, cabs and buses for public transportation. Keep in mind that through Enel X, Enel Americas' business line, you can find different products and services.
Electric transportation for smart cities
Electric transportation for both public and private purposes, powered by renewable energy sources, is at the center of the drive for zero-emissions in smart cities. Although cities account for only 3% of the Earth's land mass, they generate more than 70% of carbon emissions and represent 60-80% of energy consumption. The transition to sustainable mobility is key if we want a healthier planet. Enel X wants to be an active part of that transition and is implementing projects and investments to support the shift to green transportation systems around the world.
LATAM is moving towards e-mobility
Latin America (LATAM) is actively involved in this shift as the cities are coming under increasing pressure to electrify and decarbonize their transport systems. especially given their steadily-growing urban demographics and pollution levels. In LATAM countries, 81% of the population is concentrated in urban areas and the continent has the fastest growing cities in the world. Five of its countries, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, are on the top 50 list for the worst air pollution in the world, while five LATAM cities are among the 50 busiest in the world: Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile.
Electric buses and charging points
Enel X is ready to meet the challenge: it has already delivered or is in the process of delivering - thanks to winning concessions licenses - financing, smart charging stations, infrastructure and/or energy services for more than 1,300 electric buses across the LATAM region.
Enel X Colombia was awarded two contracts to deliver six electric charging stations and 401 electric buses for the operator of the TransMilenio public transport system in Bogotá.
The six electroterminals will have a total of 473 smart charging points and capacity for 870 electric buses. Five electroterminals will be operational by the end of 2021 and the sixth will be inaugurated in 2022. Enel also signed an agreement with AMP Capital to identify investment opportunities in public transportation and electric infrastructure in Latin America.
In Lima, Enel X launched the first electric bus, which is equipped to collect real-time data: the information will be used to lay the foundations for a nationwide electric transportation system in Peru.
Lima saw its first e-bus thanks to a collaboration between Enel X, Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP) and Canadian utility Hydro-Québec.
Enel X will also strengthen commercial relationships to achieve 100% electric transportation in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Projects include: the construction of public electric charging stations, charging stations for electric buses of the Integrated Public Transport System (SITP), Charging as a Service for companies and products such as the Juice Box electric car chargers.
Now that you know the benefits of electric mobility and its effect on the environment and society in general, do not hesitate to switch to this alternative.