Bolivia takes first steps in electromobility push

Bolivia is just starting to integrate electromobility within its transport systems, with private companies taking the initiative. 

The government has provided support to this transformation, but regulations for both electromobility and renewable energy generation “keep being adjusted, and the application has a very slow learning curve,” says the CEO of local mobility startup MOBI Latam, Ariel Revollo.  

Bolivia is currently working on its lithium resources to develop new products, such as the country’s first “smart batteries,” which will be developed through a public-private alliance involving state lithium firm YLB.

Last week, the energy ministry introduced new decrees to regulate electric vehicle charging stations, though Revollo says these efforts have been mainly pushed by the private sector. “As private companies, we have a clearer view of the road and we’re pushing the state so it can align with the growth needs of the electromobility sector,” he tells BNamericas.

When asked whether this could clash with Bolivia’s heavy dependence on the hydrocarbons sector, MOBI’s CEO said that electromobility “is the solution to the subsidies problem that Bolivia has, where domestic consumption isn’t profitable nor sustainable for the national economy.”

MOBI’s activities include manufacturing electric bikes and scooters, as well as operating an app for these vehicles in the city of Santa Cruz.

As for other significant players in Bolivia’s electromobility segment, Revollo highlighted Cochabamba-based electric car manufacturer Quantum, while other companies are focused on importing electric vehicles.

The government is providing tax and financial incentives for manufacturing and importing electric vehicles and agricultural machinery.