By Robert Burgoing (@robertb_py)
The conditions that exist in Paraguay for electric mobility are more than favorable, since our country has one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world and, therefore, also a significant volume of electricity generated.
Several countries are already paying more attention to this issue, generating incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles and taking measures that contribute to progressively leaving behind the use of fossil fuel.
In our country, this segment of the vehicle fleet is still very small if a comparison is made with conventional vehicles, with very few 100% electric vehicles circulating on the streets.
It is estimated that, to date, there are around 1,000 electric vehicles in Paraguay, according to Javier Díaz, president of the Paraguayan Association of Electric Vehicles (APVE).
He indicated that these numbers are not entirely accurate, since there is no complete record on the importation of cars of this type by the National Customs Directorate, given that the customs code for electric vehicles is the same as that of hybrid vehicles.
INCREASED DEMAND
In recent times there is an increasing demand for this type of vehicle, admits Díaz, motivated largely by the money savings that moving with electricity implies. Added to this aspect are the continuous rises in fuel that make several drivers rethink the issue.
Today all dealerships that import electric vehicles have run out of stock, which confirms the increase in demand in recent months, he said.
OFFER IN THE LOCAL MARKET
The 0 Km electric vehicle segment is divided into two: on the one hand, there are those of Chinese origin (BAIC and BYD, which are the most accessible) and, on the other hand, those of European brands such as Audi, Porsche, BMW, Volvo , to name a few.
Each user also has the possibility of importing an electric vehicle of the make or model they want on their own account, although they must absorb all the expenses that this implies, such as customs clearance, freight, etc.
COSTS
Diaz mentioned that currently a new electric vehicle can be purchased starting at $25,000, while a used one can be found from G. 90 million, despite the fact that these are still somewhat scarce in the market.
BENEFITS
The benefits that the use of electric vehicles brings are several, especially in relation to daily consumption and maintenance costs.
Recently the Itaipu Technological Park (PTI) made a comparison with combustion vehicles and pointed out that a trip from Asunción to Ciudad del Este (traveling 320 kilometers) would represent an expense of only G. 20,908 in electricity consumption in an electric vehicle, while in one powered by fossil fuel would require an average investment of G. 236,800.
AUTONOMY
The autonomy depends on each vehicle model, although the current average is 250 kilometers with a full charge, explained the head of the APVE.
According to data released by the Itaipu Technological Park, the average consumption per 100 km is 15 kWh in SUV-type models.
One advantage is that the new models already come with greater autonomy included, maintaining the same sale price, Díaz pointed out.
CHARGING POINTS
Most electric vehicles are recharged at their owners’ homes, Díaz pointed out, although some of these vehicles are used as taxis or alternative transportation platform mobiles (MUV, Uber or Bolt) and, therefore, need more infrastructure to be able to access this option.
Today there are only 5 or 6 fast chargers throughout the country, of which only 3 are located in the Central Department area. These types of devices are more sophisticated and allow a full charge to be made in an estimated time of 30 minutes, unlike home charging that can last an average of 6 to 8 hours.
MAINTENANCE
In terms of maintenance, electric vehicles represent great savings as they do not require an oil change, fuel filter, oil filter, spark plugs and belts.
Díaz explained that an electric vehicle only has an electric motor and a battery, these being the only components that differ from the rest of combustion cars. Therefore, conventional auto parts can be used depending on the make and model in case a repair is needed.
Several multi-brand workshops are currently starting to work on the issue of electric vehicles and can carry out revision maintenance with the traditional scanner that is already used in combustion cars, he added.
As for the purchase of certain parts, if they cannot be obtained through the dealership, they can also be purchased through Amazon.
CRUSHING MYTHS
Javier Díaz emphasized the importance of “demystifying” many myths that exist around electric vehicles, while calling attention to the authorities and congressmen so that legislation can be promoted that contributes to directing the national market towards electromobility.
For this, it is necessary to be able to generate an increasing number of incentives that allow users to acquire electric vehicles, so that it is not considered an expense but rather a long-term investment, beneficial for the economy and also for the environment.
