To drive the transition towards electric mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean, The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD held a workshop titled “Challenges and Benefits of Implementing a Charging System for Electric Vehicles.” This event, part of OLACDE’s Training Plan, took place amid growing interest in electromobility and its impact on transportation and the environment in the region.
In her opening remarks, Gloria Alvarenga, Director of Integration, Access, and Energy Security at OLACDE, emphasized the critical importance of electric mobility in transforming the transportation sector. Alvarenga highlighted that the adoption of this technology is essential not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for revolutionizing everyday mobility. “The transition to electric mobility represents a significant advancement, offering tangible benefits for public health and the economy of our countries,” she asserted.
Despite these benefits, the adoption of electric vehicles in Latin America and the Caribbean still faces significant challenges. These include the need for adequate infrastructure for charging electric vehicles and overcoming economic and regulatory barriers. This workshop addressed these obstacles and promoted the exchange of successful experiences among the countries in the region.
OLACDE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo, praised the collaboration with BYD and underscored the importance of electromobility as a key tool in combating climate change. “Our partnership with BYD has been crucial for knowledge transfer and the promotion of sustainable development,” said Rebolledo.
BYD Ecuador’s General Manager also emphasized how cooperation can democratize electric mobility, making this technology accessible and replicable across the region. “It’s time to drive the shift towards electric mobility regionally, demonstrating how this technology can reduce pollution and improve the quality of public and cargo transportation services,” he stated.
The workshop featured prominent experts in the field, including Diego Soto Guerra, representative of Copec Voltex; Concepción Sanbartolomé, from Panama’s Charging Systems Network; and Irvin Cedeño, Business Unit Manager at Cóndor Energy. The experts stressed the importance of implementing charging systems for electric vehicles, highlighting multiple benefits such as reducing pollutant emissions, promoting innovation, and creating jobs. Additionally, they discussed long-term economic benefits from decreased operational and maintenance costs.
