Moving Chile: Upscaling electric mobility in Chile

Context

Chile has committed in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30 to 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2016.

The transport sector plays a decisive role in achieving this objective. Over the past ten years, transport emissions in Chile have risen by around 20 per cent, accounting for almost 30 per cent of the country's total emissions. Road transport, especially lorries and buses, is the largest emitter.

The Chilean Government has been pursuing an electric mobility strategy since 2017. By 2050, it aims to replace all taxis with fixed routes and 58 per cent of private vehicles, as well as all public transport buses by 2040. However, this can only succeed if the state involves the private sector to a greater extent, as almost all bus companies are privately owned.

Objective

The framework conditions for expanding electric mobility and thus reducing transport emissions have improved in Chile and internationally.

Approach

The project supports the Chilean Government in implementing e-mobility in medium-sized and small cities. The project is developing a financing mechanism to promote electric mobility in taxis and buses, and is involving the private sector more closely in the process. The charging infrastructure is also being tested and capacity building is underway for e-taxi and e-bus operators.

A transnational communication campaign is also being promoted to raise awareness about among representatives of municipal governments as well as transport and environment ministries in Latin America about how transport can contribute to climate action. It organises regional dialogue formats and international events, which it coordinates with the Chilean Ministry of Transport. In this way, the project facilitates communication between Chile and Latin American countries on electric and sustainable mobility.

Last update: November 2023