Summary
- Autolibre, a company based in Uruguay, specializes in converting traditional vehicles into electric vehicles to promote environmental friendliness
- The company provides online courses to train mechanics and technicians in converting vehicles to e-cars
- Retrofitting vehicles has gained popularity in Latin America, with at least 145 retrofitted vehicles officially registered
- Retrofitting can be more affordable than purchasing a new electric vehicle, with kits starting at $6,000
- Despite the benefits of retrofitting, concerns have been raised about safety and quality standards, leading to discussions on regulations in countries like Chile and Colombia.
Article
Organización Autolibre, a company based in Uruguay, gained attention in 2010 when Uruguayan president-elect José Mujica arrived at his inauguration ceremony in a brightly colored electric mini-truck. This event put the company in the spotlight and generated interest from individuals and companies looking to convert their gas-powered vehicles into electric ones. As a result, the company began training mechanics and technicians through online courses and supervising conversions for corporate fleets. They have helped convert thousands of traditional vehicles into electric ones across 14 Latin American countries, with at least 40 companies utilizing their services.
The idea for Organización Autolibre came in 2006 after founder Gabriel González Barrios watched the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” and was inspired to address environmental concerns by converting gas-fueled vehicles to electric ones. Initially using American EV kits for conversions, the company later partnered with a Chinese electric power system company due to cost reasons. As interest in electric vehicles has grown, so has the appeal of retrofitting regular vehicles. In 2011, the company retrofitted a fleet of delivery vans for Bimbo, the largest bread-making company in the world.
Retrofitting electric vehicles has been practiced worldwide for over 30 years, with countries like Japan and Australia establishing national guidelines for the process. In Latin America, the biggest incentive for retrofitting vehicles is affordability, as many new EVs remain out of reach for average consumers. The process involves skilled technicians removing and replacing various components within a traditional car to convert it into an electric vehicle. However, there are risks associated with retrofitting, as many kits available online do not guarantee the necessary safety and quality standards.
Chile recently passed legislation banning the retrofitting of all used passenger vehicles due to safety concerns. In Colombia, where retrofitted vehicles currently face no legal impediments, there are discussions about the need for tighter controls and regulations around the process. García, one of the leading retrofitting experts in Colombia, is working with others to lobby for specific regulations, including selling retrofit kits exclusively to certified technicians. While most of Colombia’s electric vehicles are brand-new, retrofitted vehicles are seen as a viable alternative, especially for older cars with expensive and hard-to-find spare parts.
Overall, the retrofitting of electric vehicles is a growing practice in Latin America, driven by the desire to make transportation more environmentally friendly and affordable. Organización Autolibre has been at the forefront of this movement, training individuals and companies to convert their traditional vehicles into electric ones. However, concerns about safety and regulation have arisen, leading to discussions and potential legislation in countries like Chile and Colombia. Despite these challenges, retrofitting offers a cost-effective way for consumers to transition to electric vehicles and reduce their carbon footprint.
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