The Carretera Austral debuts public electric vehicle charging stations along its 1,200-kilometer route

• Installed at lodges, restaurants, coffee shops, and other service providers, the network of 17 public charging stations is now available for residents and tourists from all over the world to travel through one of the most pristine and attractive places on the planet using zero-emission transportation in order to help protect this unique ecosystem in Patagonia.

Coyhaique, November 16, 2023.-  In a collaborative effort between Enel, Big Magazine, Corfo Aysén - through its PER Turismo program - and with the support of the Aysén Regional Government, the Electromobility on the Carretera Austral initiative was launched, which currently provides more than 1,200 kilometers, from Puerto Montt in the Los Lagos Region to Villa O'Higgins in the Aysén Region, with a network of 17 public EV charging stations, allowing for travel through a significant portion of the Chilean Patagonia.

Authorities and representatives from the companies involved arrived in Villa Mañihuales in the Aysén Region for the ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating this electrified route, connecting 1,221 kilometers and offering the benefits of electromobility and its emission-free technology.

The key to achieving this milestone was the willingness and enthusiasm of the residents of different cities and towns where the devices were installed, all of whom share the conviction that these types of technologies enable a more sustainable tourism, reduce the carbon footprint, and promote environmental protection in this topographically extraordinary and ecologically diverse landmark at the end of the world.

Tourism businesses, entrepreneurs from various sectors, business owners, and residents from across the area wanted to provide part of their land to accommodate people who wish to charge their electric vehicles. This initiative will promote tourism along the entire Carretera Austral while allowing for a new social exchange between residents and visitors.

Humberto Marín Leiva, director of Corfo Aysén, says that the project aims to promote the use of more efficient, economical, and clean technologies to achieve a more sustainable tourism in the region. “This implies reducing the environmental impact and ensuring long-term benefits for the Aysén communities and territory. I want to highlight our government's commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation by integrating electromobility into one of our country's most impressive landscapes. It is a tangible reality that fills us with pride, and I want to recognize the joint efforts we are making to promote cleaner technologies. We are paving a path towards a more sustainable future, and I am excited about the positive impact that this project will have on our beautiful region.

Marín also emphasized that the “Electromobility on the Carretera Austral” project is part of Corfo Aysén's program which is focused on two key objectives: sustainably leveraging tourist resources and transforming Aysén into an intelligent and sustainable tourist destination through digital technologies to connect with visitors. This approach reflects the region's commitment to responsible tourism development and the adoption of innovative practices to balance economic growth with the preservation of the natural environment.

This initiative aims to transform the Austral Road into a far-reaching sustainable scenic route, promoting its recognition both nationally and internationally.

Finally, the president of the the Executive Committee of PER Tourism, Jaime Guazzini, stated that they are fully committed to supporting projects that promote sustainability in tourism. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of becoming a sustainable tourist destination. We celebrate this electromobility project that contributes to responsible tourism, benefiting local communities, and preserving our valuable natural heritage. It is encouraging to see the commitment to sustainability in the creation of tourism products. We congratulate the destination for its vision and hope other initiatives follow its example. We are fully committed to supporting projects that promote sustainability in tourism.”

PROJECT

Electromobility on the Carretera Austral is a public charging network for electric vehicles with 17 stations installed and operated by Enel. The devices, operating in charging mode 3, will function at a maximum power of 7.4 kW. As “Socket” type chargers, they can supply all kinds of vehicles equipped with a public charging cable and at least one European-type socket. To use the charging stations, users must have a special Enel application on their mobile phones and follow the instructions.

One of the advantages of these types of machines is that they have WayMeter technology to optimize the balancing of power. This benefit allows for vehicle charging without altering the consumption of the facility providing the energy.

The 17 charging stations for Electromobility on the Carretera Austral are the following, from north to south: Puerto Montt, Hornopirén, Chaitén, La Junta, Puyuhuapi, Puerto Cisnes, Villa Mañihuales, Puerto Aysén, Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Puerto Guadal, Chile Chico, Puerto Bertrand, Cochrane, and Villa O’Higgins.