New, used, hybrid or full electric: is it time to buy an electrified car in Peru?

It’s true. Today there are more manufacturers offering electric or hybrid cars in the world, also motivated by interest in this technology that promises to be less harmful to the environment, compared to classic combustion vehicles.

In Peru there is also a public attracted by these vehicles. According to the Automotive Association of Peru (AAP), to date 1,937 electrified vehicles have been sold, between pure electric and hybrids, and it is expected that by the end of 2022 the goal of 2,600 units will be reached.

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However, the acquisition is still below the rest of the countries in the region. “Colombia sells in a month what we plan to sell in a year. Of course, because Colombia has implemented programs [de incentivos tributarios] very aggressive that they are working for you. Why? Because they bring the vehicle closer to the population”said Ellioth Tarazona, technical manager for the AAP.

in conversation with Trade He pointed out that the battery alone represents 35% of the price of an electric car whose cost is usually around 100 thousand dollars, although vehicles can be found for 30 to 40 thousand dollars; and this variation will also depend on the offer.

In general, in our country more hybrid vehicles (plug-in and non-plug-in) are offered than full electric ones. The models are borne by recognized brands such as Toyota, Volvo, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, KIA, Hyundai, Porsche, Jaguar or BMW. But there are also lesser known brands in the country, of Chinese origin, and that have good performance such as Maple, Farizon, BYD or JAC Motors.

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“The expectations we have is that at least four or five more brands will join. We are talking about Chevrolet, Nissan, those types of brands that are going to bring, or at least intend to introduce electric vehicles next year in a much stronger way”advanced the spokesman of the AAP.

Electric car batteries represent 35% of the final price, especially due to the high cost of lithium. New energy sources are currently being evaluated. (Photo: AFP) (STR/)

Full electric or Hybrids?

For Tarazona, either of the two technologies offers advantages. On the one hand, the pure electric does not produce CO2 emissions, while the hybrid can go further by combining combustion and electricity as a source of energy.

In terms of prices, there is not much difference. Taking the conventional fuel vehicle as a reference, the full electric vehicle is 35% more expensive; but the price of a hybrid could be 25 or 30% higher. In this sense, he considered that “If you have the opportunity to acquire one, it is recommended that you start testing this new technology”.

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A different look is that of the economist Jorge Gonzáles Izquierdo. He believed that there are still no conditions to efficiently operate an electric vehicle: first, in battery charge; second, in spare parts; and third, in skilled labor.

“So, I would still say that it is not something that should be strongly encouraged for people to buy their electric car, if an adequate infrastructure is not first developed that allows them to operate the electric car with a certain, let’s say, efficiency”he indicated in dialogue with this newspaper.

And it is that the greatest doubt for an electric vehicle is in its recharging and the installation of charging stations, and to solve this problem “You have to make an investment that is basically private”. He considered that the government can help something, but basically it is a private sector job, and it takes time. He calculated that it will take us between five and ten years to start strongly promoting the use of electric vehicles.

From a practical point of view, motorist Francisco Sierralta gives us another look at electrified cars. He has tested different models, in Peru and the United States, and confirms all the benefits regarding pollution and savings, but with one detail: it is limited to the city. “Obviously an electric vehicle is cheaper for day-to-day use in the city, which is the only place where it can be used very well”commented to Trade. But, even in Lima there are certain limitations to make driving an electric car comfortable for the end user, going through fast chargers, recharging spaces and electrical installations with ground wells.

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“You have to consider these points before buying an electric car, analyze the whole issue of electricity points, electricity power, and if it suits you and your garage has all that, excellent. For trips, I do not recommend it because in several provinces you can get thrown away”he told us.

Under these conditions, he pointed out that “Hybrids are much more viable than cars that are 100% electric”. Or, on the contrary, the electric vehicle can have the function of a second home vehicle for trips in the city.

One of the problems with electric cars is recharging on long trips. Tesla is one of the companies that invests in superchargers, which could power the electric car in just minutes. (Photo: AFP) (CHRIS DELMAS/)

second hand cars

And what if you buy a second-hand electric car? Are they cheaper? How affected is technology?

For Sierralta, there would be no problem buying a second-hand electric vehicle. Some cases have already been presented in our country. However, you do have to pay attention to the car and the dealer of the brand.

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“If the brand does not have a dealership here, the operation is much more complicated because who is going to check the details to make the purchase, to see the cargo details? [de la batería] and what percentage of life is it?, he indicated. And it is that the batteries can have a lifespan of eight years, but there are other elements that may be affected, such as the brakes, and that are also expensive.

And how much can the price vary? Sierralta explains to us that coming out of the store, “the car loses around 20% of value”. On that side, you can save by buying a second-hand vehicle, but it is quite important to ensure maintenance.

So, every purchase goes through making a decision; but electric cars are a special case as it is a new technology. Now you can calmly evaluate whether it suits you or not.

Source: Elcomercio