According to RUNT, more than 31,000 hybrid and electric vehicles will be sold in Colombia in 2023.

According to Electromaps, the number of electric charging stations in Colombia increased by more than 30% between 2021 and January 2024.

Electric mobility is gaining momentum in Colombia thanks to environmental benefits, energy efficiency and government incentives. However, myths persist that create uncertainty and mistrust about the functionality of electric vehicles, hindering their widespread adoption.

«We have been able to show that the market for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and non-plug-in hybrids has undergone a positive evolution. Between January and May of this year, a total of 16,061 vehicles with these characteristics were registered in Colombia, representing an increase of 47% compared to the first five months of 2023, with an increase of 48.6% per city, 45.1% in Bogotá, 87.5% in Medellín, 167.6% in Barranquilla and 228.6% in Bucaramanga.” said Oliverio Garcia, President of ANDEMOS, the National Association for Sustainable Mobility.

To clear the picture and provide accurate information, automotive experts analyze some of the most common myths below:

1. Limited autonomy: In recent years, the range of electric vehicles has expanded significantly thanks to technological advances. Currently, in Colombia, many models available on the market have a range of between 460 and 700 kilometers. The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 leads the segment, reaching 778 kilometers on a 100% charge according to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure). This means that for most users, a single charge is enough to cover daily needs or even weekend trips. And that’s not to mention the intelligent regeneration that these types of vehicles are equipped with, thanks to which they recharge autonomously and depending on the driving style of each person while driving. This can be achieved using steering wheel paddle shifters and regeneration modes set by the driver according to the needs of the moment.

2. Higher costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles: Although the initial price of an electric car may be higher than that of an equivalent gasoline-powered car, the long-term operating costs are much lower. The savings can be seen in consumption and maintenance, which is generally easier in electric cars. In addition to lower taxes and government incentives.

It is important to emphasize that according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Scientific and Technical Information’s “Comprehensive Quantification of Total Vehicle Costs” study, an electric vehicle can be 40% more fuel efficient than an internal combustion engine. When considering fuel consumption, wear and tear, and repairs, consider the vehicle’s fuel economy.

“Comparing our two Mercedes-Benz models, the GLS and its electric equivalent, the EQS, we can highlight the following: The GLS has a 23-gallon fuel tank, which equates to approximately $480,000 in gasoline, and a range of up to 592 kilometers. In parallel, our EQS model, which costs approximately $150,000, reaches a range of up to 778 kilometers on a single charge. The above means that with an electric vehicle, fuel savings can be up to three times greater.” said Ana Carolina Gomez, Mercedes-Benz Product Manager in Colombia.

3. High cost of spare parts: One of the beliefs that most discourages the purchase of electric cars is the cost of spare parts. While it is true that some specific components of electric cars, such as the battery, may have a higher price than their equivalents in cars with an internal combustion engine, the cars are usually cheaper to maintain, in addition to the savings provided by low consumption. Currently, in Colombia, there are important offers on key products in this segment. Mercedes-Benz, for example, in addition to a five-year warranty on the car, provides an 8 or 10-year warranty on the battery, depending on the model of the electric car.

4. Slower speed and response: Electric cars are very powerful, and the reality is that they respond much faster than conventional combustion engine cars. Thanks to their acceleration capabilities, most electric cars can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6.7 seconds, and power starts at 288 horsepower.

5. Slow and cumbersome charging: Charging technology has evolved to allow vehicles to be delivered in a fast-charging mode, allowing them to be charged while a person goes about their daily business. Colombia is in the process of improving its charging infrastructure, with over 250 charging stations in 35 cities, as well as the ability to charge from home via Wallbox. It is important to highlight here that each brand has its own policy on how to manage the charging system at the time of purchase.

In the case of Mercedes-Benz, there are four options for charging the electric vehicle, the first of which is via the Wallbox, an AC socket that is installed on the wall and allows charging from 0% to 100% between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the manual.

Other options are electric charging stations, fast charging stations that use 400 volt, 50 kilowatt DC power sources to charge an electric vehicle from 0% to 100% in a maximum of two hours. There is also a home charger that charges slowly, is portable, and can be plugged into any 120 volt electrical outlet.

Finally, there is an intelligent recovery system in which, while the person is driving and takes their foot off the gas pedal, the engine, by inertia, recharges the battery and, therefore, increases or maintains the percentage of charge.

“We know that the most important thing is the comfort and safety of our customers, so at Inchcape Mercedes-Benz Colombia we have a partnership with Enel, which allows us, when someone buys one of our 100% electric vehicles, to give them a free Wallbox and cover 10 meters of wiring during its installation. This is in addition to the fact that there are more and more charging stations for electric vehicles in the country, and this year the Ministry of Mines and Energy issued Regulation 40123 of 2024, which aims to allow users to charge their vehicles throughout the country without having to pay for the service, making it easier to think about purchasing a car with these characteristics.” said Juan Felipe Salgado, Managing Director of Inchcape Mercedes-Benz in Colombia.