Chapter6 2 6. Electric Vehicles Are a Zero-Emission Technology?

Abstract Electric vehicles (EVs) are advertised as a zero-emission solution and as an alternative to the mobility problems of persons and goods in large cities. This chapter analyzes if these vehicles are really an option that would favor the green policies and environment of Latin American cities. The elements analyzed are the specific driving cycles for Latin American cities as well as geographical conditions, the access to technology, economic costs, and the infrastructure required to adapt EVs. These elements are are compared with the case of the countries of Northern Europe, where a greater circulation of these vehicles currently exists. The impact of transferring EV technology from one country to another, without considering specific situations, is also analyzed and, finally, some clues to be taken into account are stressed in order to determine if EVs in Latin America could be considered as green technologies.