Chile rolls out 300 new electric buses
In a significant move to modernize public transport and reduce carbon emissions, over 300 electric buses were launched in the Chilean capital and surrounding areas. President Gabriel Boric inaugurated the fleet of 308 new electric buses, emphasizing the initiative's role in addressing the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Environment Minister Maisa Rojas highlighted the project as a testament to Chile's commitment to sustainable transport.
This deployment is part of a broader Renewal Plan, which aims to integrate an additional 1,800 electric buses into the public mobility network by early 2026, benefiting more than 5.8 million users. Santiago currently boasts the largest electric bus fleet outside of China, with approximately 2,550 e-buses already in operation. The government plans to increase this number to 4,406 by the end of the year, representing 68% of the city's total bus network.
The electrification initiative is rooted in a long-term state policy focused on zero-emission fleets, supported by strategic tenders across multiple administrations. The new electric buses come equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and advanced safety features, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The environmental impact of this initiative is notable, with electric buses now accounting for only 3.3% of urban transport emissions in Santiago. Noise levels have decreased by approximately 44%, and particulate pollution has significantly reduced. This effort aligns with Chile's goal of fully electrifying its bus fleet by 2040 and serves as a flagship decarbonization initiative within its broader climate strategy.
