El fotógrafo y explorador Benjamín Valenzuela is traveling through the national reserves of Chile aboard a 100% electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country, as part of the Electro Ruta Reservas Nacionales.
The project aims to demonstrate how electromobility can transform the way of traveling, offering a safer, more sustainable, and wildlife-friendly experience.
Over thousands of kilometers through remote and biodiverse areas, the initiative has highlighted that safety and planning are key to facing the challenges of southern roads and coexisting responsibly with the natural environment.
Challenges of the journey
Valenzuela reports that southern Chile presents very diverse conditions:
- Intense rains and poorly maintained gravel roads.
- Mud, snow, and steep slopes in mountain areas.
- Challenging scenarios like the 4×4 roads of the Ñuble mountain range, where the vehicle performed optimally.
Technology applied to safety
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country incorporates systems that facilitate driving in complex environments:
- Pilot Assist for driving support.
- 360° Camera for safe maneuvers.
- Driver attention monitoring.
- ADAS systems for advanced assistance to prevent collisions.
These elements allow for long-distance travel with greater confidence, even in territories where weather and geographical conditions change suddenly.
Planning and autonomy
One of the most relevant lessons has been the importance of planning each stage of the journey:
- Review distances and charging alternatives in advance.
- Maintain flexibility in planning.
- Take advantage of the growing network of charging points in Chile.
With good preparation, traveling in an electric vehicle through the south of the country is entirely possible and rewarding.
Coexistence with wildlife
The route has allowed close observation of the natural wealth of the national reserves:
- Encounters with pumas, huemules, and ñandús.
- Reduction of speed and increased attention when traveling through protected areas.
- Responsible driving to protect both travelers and animals.
Valenzuela emphasizes that “when we travel through protected areas, we are the visitors,” reminding that wildlife can appear at any time, especially at dawn and dusk.
Benefits of electromobility
In addition to reducing local emissions, electric vehicles offer additional advantages:
- Less noise pollution, which favors a less invasive interaction with ecosystems.
- Possibility of closer encounters with wildlife.
- A travel experience more integrated with nature.
Environmental awareness
The project seeks to highlight the value of national reserves and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these spaces for future generations. Traveling sustainably involves:
- Reducing emissions.
- Minimizing environmental impact.
- Respecting wildlife and staying on designated trails.
- Promoting good conservation practices.
The Electro Ruta Reservas Nacionales demonstrates that electromobility is not only viable in remote territories but can also become a tool to promote responsible and sustainable tourism.
Valenzuela’s experience invites reflection on the need to protect ecosystems and assume that conserving them is a shared responsibility.
