CAF supports testing of first electric buses in Buenos Aires
CAF—development bank of Latin America—collaborated with the government of Buenos Aires in the implementation of low emission technologies in public transport. The first electric buses in the city will be evaluated for technical, operational, economic and environmental feasibility thanks to CAF financing. This initiative aims to reduce the harmful effects on the environment caused by emission of polluting gases by public transport.
Two new electric buses were presented by the head of the government of Buenos Aires, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Transport, Guillermo Dietrich, and the Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, Sergio Bergman. The two buses presented are to be used in line 59, which was the line selected for pilot testing. The Buenos Aires government aims to extend the use of these technologies to six additional models by the end of the year.
CAF representative in Argentina, Santiago Rojas Arroyo, noted: “At CAF, we support this advanced initiative of the Buenos Aires government for the introduction of low-emission technologies in public transport. This is why we´re contributing with a USD 150,000 investment aimed at evaluating the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of the introduction of this clean technology. To this end, the operation of 8 new electric buses will be monitored, to then provide recommendations to scale this effort.”
During the inaugural event, the head of government of the City, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta emphasized: “This is a huge step towards our goal of protecting the environment” and pointed out that, being this is a quieter technology, it can also help reduce noise pollution.
CAF supports policies aimed at the public transport electrification in order to reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality in cities and promote the use of more energy-efficient vehicles. While these initiatives have a high upfront capital cost, thanks to the implementation of advanced technology, these can be offset by reduced bus operations costs, enabling a cost-effective operation of these fleets.
Currently, the transport sector accounts for about 25% of global energy demand and around 61% of annual oil consumption. We must also consider its high share in energy consumption and pollutant emissions, and the likelihood—between 77% and 99%—that global temperature will rise by an average 2° C by 2050. At CAF, we see the development of new low-carbon, low-pollutant mobility models as an urgent goal.
CAF's more recent content
CAF, ECLAC, IDB and PAHO Promote Sustainable Development in the G20
The Regional Organizations of the Americas congratulate Brazil on its successful G20 Presidency, highlighting its leadership on key issues such as poverty, governance, and climate change. They also reaffirm their commitment to actions that promote equity and development in the region.
Urgent Call for Action to Safeguard Caribbean SIDS at CAF Symposium
As the global community grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are running out of time to secure critical investments and support needed to strengthen their economies and protect vulnerable communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change. With the window to take decisive action rapidly shrinking, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, brought together key stakeholders for a symposium in London to address the critical vulnerabilities Caribbean SIDS face.