An inter-sectoral dialogue was held with the intention of developing a consensual Electric Mobility Strategy for Argentina.
Buenos Aires, Argentina, August 13, 2019. There is worldwide consensus on the importance of diversifying sustainable mobility alternatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in cities. As part of this process, the electric vehicle (EV) market grew exponentially during this century globally. In Argentina, although EV penetration is still low, the last 5 years were key in terms of study and breaking new ground.
Promoted by the Argentine State and UN Environment with support from the EUROCLIMA+ Programme of the European Union, a new training stage was carried out under the framework of the National Electric Mobility Strategy process, which consists of technical training for all the sectors involved in order to achieve a common vision. “Argentina has a fundamental role in the transition towards electric mobility throughout Latin America. Upstream, from lithium and cobalt in the north, scientific knowledge and regulation to promote electronic innovation needed to produce batteries, in addition to a mature automotive industry. Downstream, with almost all of its inhabitants living in cities, they will be able to enjoy cleaner air and decent public transportation,” said Agustín Matteri of UN Environment.
With the execution of pilot tests to understand the technology involved in these systems, a fundamental component is the identification of opportunities in production matters, such as the generation of added value to the local lithium industry and the possibilities for the industrialisation of batteries and electric vehicles as very important elements.
Through two work sessions - one virtual and the other face-to-face at the Technological Institute of Buenos Aires - consensus was reached on the requirements for the extension of useful life and final disposal of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and interoperability of recharging stations, with a focus on sustainable cities and provinces and local strategies for the deployment of national technology. One of the challenges is to define a proper treatment for LIB flows that enter the country at the end of their usefulness, in order to avoid consequences like those that occur with conventional batteries: contamination of soils, waterways and reservoirs and air pollution.
As a raw material in the world of sustainable engines, lithium is characterised by its high conductivity and energy density. Currently, the states with the highest production are Australia (which leads by a large difference), Chile, China, and Argentina which has 9.8 million tons. In the rest of Latin America, Bolivia has 9 million tons and Chile 8.4 million.
“Incentivising lithium production means addressing the root of the problem and not thinking only about the benefits of electric mobility for the environment, but also about how to carry out strategies to make a national industry sustainable over time,” said Diego Cosentino, Regional Manager of FIA Region IV.
With around 400 hybrid vehicles and 50 electric vehicles, Argentina is taking on the challenge of creating the conditions to expand its sustainable vehicle fleet, in terms of personal use and public transport systems. Part of this approach is being achieved with economic incentives that include the reduction of import taxes on vehicles and chargers as well as the cost of patents, and in terms of infrastructure, the foundations have been laid for the installation of recharging stations and the first electric corridors were developed. However, any technical change also implies a social and cultural transformation.
“Strategic planning of the industry not only benefits the electric mobility market but also the consumers, by offering better solutions to carry out the actions towards an accessible and safe form of transport. It is essential that the different production sectors work together to achieve the ultimate goal of contributing to a future with less environmental pollution,” concluded Lic. Pablo Azorín, Head of Road Safety and Environment for FIA Region IV.
About EUROCLIMA+
EUROCLIMA+ is a programme funded by the European Union to promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient development in 18 Latin American countries, particularly for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations. The Programme is implemented under the synergistic work of seven agencies: Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), French Development Agency (AFD), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Expertise France (EF), International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), and UN Environment.
About FIA Region IV
FIA Region IV is a leading mobility organisation in Latin America, grouping together the operability, quality and prestige of the Automobile Clubs that comprise it. It develops public policy actions on road safety and sustainable transport in line with new trends in the sector.
FIA Region IV: www.fiaregion4.com
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Contact
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