Electric cars are gaining more and more space on Brazilian streets and are expected to occupy 15% of the market in 2026. The analysis is by Pedro Côrtes, at CNN New Daywhich highlighted the main challenges and benefits of expanding these vehicles in the country.
According to Côrtes, the biggest obstacle to the popularization of electric cars in Brazil are charging points. “Day by day, we find more of these vehicles in cities. The biggest obstacle that is being overcome little by little is charging stations, especially for electric vehicles,” he said.
He noted that many consumers have opted for hybrid vehicles due to the ease and independence of charging points.
Despite this challenge, it has been improving in large cities. “In large cities, more and more, there is infrastructure that has been provided by the industry itself. Large manufacturers have placed their charging stations and there are companies that have created these stations”, explained the Climate and Environment analyst at CNN. He added that, even with the cost of recharging, the value is still more economical than refueling with gasoline, especially in the current international context.
Environmental benefits
Côrtes highlighted that electric cars bring significant benefits to the environment, especially considering the Brazilian energy matrix. “A large part of our electrical matrix comes from clean sources. So we have hydroelectric generation, wind generation, solar generation, thermoelectric generation using biomass”, explained Côrtes, adding that around 75% to 80% of electrical generation in Brazil comes from renewable sources.
This characteristic of the Brazilian energy matrix means that electric vehicles emit much less. Furthermore, these cars contribute to reducing environmental pollution in large cities, including noise. “In the case of electric, completely free of direct emissions and also a significant reduction in noise”, he stated.
Durability and reuse of batteries
A frequently asked point about electric cars is their durability and performance. Côrtes clarified that the life of an electric car battery is estimated at more than 15 years and, after this period, it does not mean that it will be discarded.
“Even if it is discarded, it is already assembled in such a way as to facilitate disposal, because there are many noble elements inside that can be reused”, he explained. The expert also mentioned that these batteries can be reused in energy storage plants, mainly from wind or solar sources, extending their useful life even after they are no longer suitable for vehicles.
