So far, electric cars are a rarity in Argentina. Except for a punutal launch focused on the segment of vehicles for work, all were promises. Many of them, even unfulfilled.However, all this is about to change. Why? Because there are already 100% models driven by electricity that are one step away from officially presenting themselves in the country and even have a confirmed launch date in the dealerships.Thus, the Argentine automotive market is a few weeks away from experiencing a historic milestone by having the first passenger vehicles friendly to the environment and general brands.Among the automakers that have already confirmed that they will market their electric models in the markets of the region are Nissan, Chevrolet and Renault, whose managers took advantage of the 30th edition of the San Pablo Motor Show to anticipate the imminent news.Nissan LeafThe Japanese company, which since 2015 decided to bet on Latin America with the manufacture of models in the Mercosur countries - among them, Argentina - wants to be one of the protagonists in the electric mobility market.And the reality is that it has a lot of background in this matter: its Leaf model, which was launched in 2010 and is already in its second generation, is the best selling electric in the world.Its success is such that demand outstrips supply. And the subsidiaries of different parts of the world are "fighting" to have it.Now, it is making its debut in the region: Nissan has already activated the pre-sale in Brazil and announced that, as of January 2019, it will be possible to book in Argentina.The prices and quantity of units that they expect to market were not confirmed, but the purpose of the presale is to have a clearer X-ray of the demand."The Leaf is our brand ambassador," they said from the company to iProUP."For Nissan, it's a way to show what's coming, which are new driving technologies, pro-pilot, automatic parking and connectivity, so users can really start to see something that is already a reality in other parts of the world, "they added.
This model has a range of up to 389 km in the urban cycle (270 km in the combined cycle) and 240 km in accordance with the EPA cycle (US standard). That is to say that, unlike what happened in the past with the first prototypes of other brands, today it is possible to make longer trips.With the new e-Powertrain technology delivers 110 kW of power (equivalent to about 149 horses) and 32.6 kgfm (320 Nm) of torque, which promises to increase acceleration and driving experience.In addition, the model that will also be offered in Argentina is equipped with e-Pedal technology, which transforms the way people drive. This system allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop with just increase or decrease the pressure exerted on the accelerator.When no pressure is exerted on the pedal, the regenerative or friction brakes are automatically activated, which stops the vehicle or keeps it immobile on slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again.In terms of design, the new generation has a lower profile, with lines associated with aerodynamics that reinforces its modern look.The boomerang-shaped headlights and its V-motion grille, which has a light blue background as well as the rear bumper frame, recall that the model is part of the Nissan family of electric vehicles.Chevrolet Bolt EVThe US automaker took advantage of its São Paulo stand to present its Bolt EV for the first time in Latin America.The debut of the model was made with the confirmation of the sale in Brazil since 2019 and a promise to arrive in the short term in Argentina.The brand is ready for electrification and they consider that the arrival of the Bolt EV will be very welcome among the users."The evolution of consumer needs demands new solutions, including connectivity and electrification," Carlos Zarlenga, president of GM Mercosur, told iProUP."At the same time, social trends related to urban and sustainable mobility changed the way people interact with cars, the Bolt EV is a 100% electric vehicle that arrives to democratize this technology," the executive added.
According to Zarlenga's analysis, the road to electrification involves several important elements, such as infrastructure, the cost of vehicles, public policies and the recognition of the benefits provided by technology.And he highlighted as an equally important point the non-emission of polluting gases. This is where the 100% electric vehicles most differ from the hybrids.The Bolt EV today offers a range of up to 383 kilometers with a single charge of the batteries. In addition, it has a regenerative system that takes advantage of the energy dissipated in braking and decelerations to extend its range and guarantee tranquility for the user on longer trips.The recharge is done from power outlets and there are different options: in the case of a semi-rapid charger, one hour guarantees 40 km of autonomy. Already in fast chargers, it takes 30 minutes to roll another 145 km.In addition to cleaner, electric power is cheaper: today, the estimated cost per kilometer drawn on the Chevrolet electric is about four times lower than that of a model of the same size that uses traditional fuel.Also, the Chevrolet model offers a high torque, characteristic of electric motors. What does this imply? That can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in about 6.5 seconds, a performance that today is only reserved for vehicles with sports spirit.Renault ZoeThe French firm also confirmed the arrival of another electric in the short term to the region: the Renault Zoe. This model, of the smallest and most popular, will land in the Brazilian market in 2019 and then arrive in Argentina.It is the only "massive" car that has experience in the segment in the country, since the first electric that was marketed in the local market was the Kangoo ZE. The French company also offers the load Wallbox, which can be bought and installed in the house.The Zoe has a 65 kilowatt (88 hp) and 220 Nm engine. The battery is made of lithium ion and has a capacity ranging from 22 kWh to 41 kWh.The real autonomy reaches about 300 km. This duration can stretch up to a maximum of 388 kilometers in the case of driving at 50 km / h. In return, autonomy falls to 163 kilometers if accelerated to a maximum of 130 km / h.The model is offered with an automatic gearbox with mono-speed reducer, which includes all the advantages of a classic transmission without gears and offers a smooth final acceleration.The models in folderThe three confirmed models have similar characteristics: they are hatchback boys, with the "veneer" of popular inside the markets where they are already commercialized.In these three cases, the automakers agree that the future is electrical and do not even make an initial test with the hybrids. They consider that the infrastructure will adapt as the offer grows.In addition to those that already have a date for 2019, there are other brands that reconfirmed their plans to have news in the segment of electric or hybrid mobility, but without a specific term.During the Hall of San Pablo, during a talk with iProUP, Ford said that the Mondeo Hybrid will be in Argentina. While Volkswagen will point to the segment with the Golf GTE.In both cases they use hybrid motorization, that is, they combine the "clean" option with a traditional one, the same technology that equips the Toyota Prius or the Mercedes Benz GLC350e, two versions that are already sold in Argentina.