Electromobility
Chile’s capital, Santiago, has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable public transportation , positioning itself as the city with the largest fleet of electric buses in the world outside of China. This achievement, the result of government policies and public-private partnerships, not only reinforces the country’s commitment to decarbonization but has also positively transformed the experience of millions of users.
The Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz, emphasized that the commitment to electromobility has been a sustained effort throughout different administrations. "This is a project that transcends governments and allows us to position ourselves as a global benchmark in sustainability. Today, we have more than 2,500 electric buses in Santiago, and we expect to exceed 3,500 by the end of this term of government," he said at a press conference with international press correspondents. The aim is that by 2040 all buses running in the city will be electric.
Santiago: a pioneer in electromobility
The push toward clean, electric public transportation began in 2018, when the first electric buses were introduced to the capital’s transit system. Since then, Santiago has led the region in technological innovation, improving both air quality and the user experience. “We are not the largest or wealthiest city, but we are one that has boldly dared to push for public policies that have enabled achievements far beyond decarbonization. The electric bus emits no noise or vibrations. It is more than just a means of public transportation; it is a friendly neighbor and a source of pride for the people of Santiago,” the minister added.
On the other hand, the Dictuc of the Catholic University evaluated in 2023 a diesel fuel terminal versus an electric terminal and established that the latter produced 44% less polluting emissions and 42% less noise.
Environmental and social impact of electromobility
The implementation of these initiatives has been possible thanks to an ecosystem of actors that includes the private sector and institutions such as InvestChile. Karla Flores, director of this entity, highlighted the key role of foreign investment in the process: "The asset that Chile, and Santiago in particular, has in terms of mobility is very robust. When you go abroad to promote Chile, part of what people already see of the country are the red electric buses of Santiago as part of the image of the city". Flores also adds that they are making rounds in search of investments for electric buses in regions.
On the other hand, electromobility has opened up new job opportunities, especially for women. According to Paola Tapia, director of Metropolitan Public Transport, "more than 10% of electric bus drivers are women, which is equivalent to 1,800 women at the wheel, marking a cultural change and opening up quality work spaces in sectors historically dominated by men".
" Santiago's progress in electromobility is a reflection of Chile's commitment to sustainability with concrete actions, for being pioneers in this area, for daring to take risks with the aim of making policies that transcend governments and seek a common goal such as decarbonization and care for the environment. These actions are paying off and today the image that Chile enjoys internationally is very positive in energy transition", says the executive director of Imagen de Chile, Rossana Dresdner.
In 2023, Santiago recorded its lowest pollution levels in 25 years, and the quality of its public transportation system has been recognized as a benchmark in Latin America and around the world. Thus, Santiago reinforces its position as a modern, inclusive capital committed to the environment. “Chile is demonstrating that sustainability is not a luxury, but an opportunity to transform cities and lives,” concluded Minister Muñoz.
