Colombia is taking great strides towards a sustainable economy, however, one of the biggest challenges lies in the automotive sector and mobility, which involves not only the acquisition of electric vehicles, but also the expansion of charging infrastructure.
The progress of electric mobility is already part of the National Development Plan. To date, cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Manizales, Armenia, Bucaramanga, and Cúcuta have installed more than 270 charging stations.
However, this figure is still insufficient to meet the needs of users, who emphasize that greater availability of stations would be key to promoting sustainable transportation habits.
The country has a public policy that encourages the purchase of electric vehicles through benefits such as peak and plate exemptions and discounts on technical-mechanical inspections, in addition to the provisions established in the Clean Mobility Law (Law 1964 of 2019).
Despite this, the growth of charging stations has not advanced at the same pace as the increase in demand for this type of vehicles, especially in rural areas and intermediate cities.
Although the average range of these vehicles, ranging between 300 and 450 kilometers, allows for covering long distances, infrastructure remains a significant challenge to fully exploit this feature.
Clean Energy: a Competitive Advantage
One of Colombia’s greatest assets in this process is its clean energy matrix, with 67% of its installed capacity coming from hydroelectric power. This ensures that electric vehicles are charged with a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, sources such as solar and wind power, representing around 6% of the generated energy, are constantly growing, increasing the country’s potential as a leader in sustainable electric mobility.
However, periods of drought can increase the percentage of generation based on fossil fuels up to 47%, highlighting the need to further diversify clean energy sources.
Challenges to Face in the Electric Transition
There are three fundamental priorities to advance the adoption of electric vehicles in Colombia:
- Expand coverage in rural areas: Currently, 18.5% of the population lives in energy poverty, according to the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (Impe). Rural areas face an energy challenge up to 11 times greater than urban areas. Addressing this challenge will integrate the most remote regions into sustainable mobility.
- Strengthen unconventional renewable energies: With an installable potential of 8,000 GW in solar energy, according to the National Planning Department, Colombia could become a regional leader in this technology, promoting a positive impact on electric mobility.
- Invest in charging infrastructure: The growth of fast charging points, like the station inaugurated by Grupo Autogermana at Unicentro Shopping Center, Bogotá, is key. This station allows for charging on average in one hour and thirty minutes, much faster than traditional systems, which take between 7 and 10 hours. With this new station, the company already has 33 points installed nationwide.
A Promising Future for Sustainable Mobility
Colombia has shown a clear willingness to lead the energy transition in the region with public policies, incentives, and a clean energy matrix as a solid foundation. However, achieving comprehensive progress requires addressing key challenges such as expanding charging infrastructure and access to renewable energies.
These efforts will not only consolidate the country as a benchmark in sustainability but also ensure a long-term positive impact.
Charging Stations in Argentina
The advancement of the electric charger network in Argentina’s Service Stations has been steady, although it has not yet reached exponential growth, as highlighted by Roberto Stazzoni, an electromobility marketing expert at ABB, in dialogue with the portal surtidores.com.ar.
Over the past year, new charging points have been installed in strategic locations such as shopping malls and supermarkets, but service stations continue to lead the infrastructure to facilitate long-distance trips, allowing journeys like Buenos Aires-Córdoba or to the Atlantic Coast.
One key to ensuring the profitability of these fast charging stations lies in the additional income generated by convenience stores during waiting times. Additionally, strategic alliances between electric vehicle manufacturers, technology companies, and energy distributors will play a fundamental role in expanding the sector this year.
Stazzoni pointed out that different collaboration models, from installing fast chargers to optimizing rates for operators and consumers, will be essential to boost the electromobility ecosystem.
Major brands are expected to drive technological innovations through tools like applications integrated with geolocation, real-time availability, and simplified payment methods. These solutions will not only optimize the user experience but also facilitate the operation of systems for providers, accelerating the development of this emerging industry.
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