While in the rest of the world the transportation sector emits about 20% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fossil fuels, the average in Latin America is 36%, according to a World Bank study.

Guayaquil is not exempt from this investigation. Since 2019, the city has been a pioneer in the country with the arrival of the first electric buses that set the example for other cities.to lay the foundation for a sustainable recovery and achieve the decarbonisation commitments under the Paris Agreement. That year also saw the city’s first electricity substation inaugurated on the grounds of Samanes Park, but only for use by taxis and buses.

Hugo Ortiz, national marketing coordinator of BYD (a brand of Chinese origin that launched the first electric buses and taxis in Guayaquil), mentions that they only brought a new fleet of electric sedans and SUVs to the country in August this year , of which they have sold a total of 114, representing 35% of the total electric vehicles marketed in the country.

These are the prices of electric cars in Ecuador

By 2022, Guayaquil became the first city in Ecuador with a massive 440-volt fast-charging station for private vehicles. This private initiative emerged from a strategic alliance between Terpel and Kia Motors. The gas station is located between Avenue Las Américas and Juan Tanca Marengo, in the north.

Xavier Granda, fuel manager of Terpel Ecuador, says that the implementation of the first electricity station in Guayaquil was well received and aroused the interest of citizens. This is evidenced by a significant flow of users, which is gradually increasing. “We currently serve an average of around 15 vehicles at our electric charging points every day”mentions the executive branch.

Currently, the company has two fast-charging stations in Guayaquil (the first on Las Américas Avenue and the second on Domingo Comín Avenue). The implementation of Terpel Voltex’s power plants has resulted in an investment of approximately $100,000, Granda says.

Kia, one of the pioneers in introducing 100% electric vehicles in the country with the Soul EV in 2016, in turn already has three models in circulation in Guayaquil: Niro EV, EV6 and Soul EV.

José Antonio Errazuriz, deputy general manager of Kia, says the goal is to have eleven 100% electric models on the market by 2026. “It is important for the brand to position the need for sustainable mobility among the residents of Guayaquil and that they have all the facilities so that this conscious mobility is an economically and logistically feasible option. That is why our social commitment is to create a network of tax points that increase month by month.”

To date, Kia has the largest network of charging points in Ecuador. In Guayaquil they have installed twelve charging points in strategic locations of the city and 2 fast charging stations (the alliance with Terpel). Errazuriz emphasizes that the aim is for them to have 16 more points by the end of 2023.

Sales of environmentally friendly cars are growing in Ecuador

Another brand that is working hard on sustainability issues is Chery. In early 2023, it implemented its sustainability strategy in Guayaquil with the launch of the Tiggo 8 PRO e+ Plug In Hybrid. Chery Product Manager Nicolás Buñay explains that this vehicle is the only commercial SUV with plug-in hybrid technology that allows users to drive up to 75 km in 100% EV mode, allowing practical electric driving in the city.

We have installed approximately 20 charging points with all units of our Tiggo 8 PRO e+ Plug In Hybrid, which were sold together with our customers.

Nicolás Buñay, product manager of Chery

Buñay mentions that for now they have managed to install two charging points in the Chery Maresa Center branches, to provide customers with charging spots when they visit the dealers.

Sale of electrified vehicles in Guayaquil

For example, a charging point for electric cars is being installed

According to the International Energy Agency, there will be more than 230 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads in less than a decade. One of the pending issues is the installation of charging points.

Charging points are classified based on three factors: charging speed, how the vehicle is connected and type of connector.

In terms of speed, there are slow charging points, designed for domestic use, where the battery charging time is between 6 and 10 hours; semi-fast charging, suitable for public areas and lasts between 1 and 3 hours; and fast charging, where the installations are always located outdoors and in which you can store 70% of the energy in less than 30 minutes. Here we would be talking about power plants, the most complex infrastructure of all. There is a power difference of between 2.2 KWh and 50 KWh between the slowest and fastest charging methods.

Electrolineras are growing in the country hand in hand with a still small but promising market for electric cars

Condor Energy is a company purely focused on electric vehicle charging solutions and has been developing electric vehicle charging projects in Ecuador for more than six years.

The manager of this company, Irvin Cedeño, explains the requirements for installing a charging point at home.

After supplying this information, the electricity company will carry out an inspection to approve the installation of the new meter.

Cedeño emphasizes that it must be taken into account that the installation of the charger from the meter to the charging point is the responsibility of the property owner.

We have installed more than 100 residential charging points and launched 25 fast charging points throughout Ecuador.

Irvin Cedeño, business manager of Condor Energy.

The specialist says that someone who travels between 20 and 40 km per day will have a monthly consumption of about $25 to $30; If the person is a taxi driver who travels between 200 and 300 km, he has a monthly consumption of about €80 to €95. (JO)