Slowly but surely. Like this The electric car market in Argentina is growing. At the moment only 13 models circulate on the streets of our country, with 82 patented units in the first six months of the year.
Although hybrids have more presence and commercialization (3,371 patents in the first half), automakers plan short-term pure electric launches. A deepening of their global strategies in the local market: the majority plan to completely abandon combustion engines starting in 2035.
Renault recently confirmed in San Pablo, Brazil, that they will land in Argentina in 2023 three new 100% electric models. In the first half of next year, the Kwid E-Tech, imported from China, will be launched with a 65hp engine, which accelerates from 0 to 50km / h in 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130km / h. . .
What is significant is that it is the entry vehicle for the brand, with which the Argentine public will be able to access the alternative energy at an affordable price. Renault engineers emphasize the consumption savings per kilometer and its range of 298 kilometers in urban use. To have a reference of the values this example applies: in Brazil the cost of this vehicle per kilometer is 0.06 reais, while for a combustion vehicle it costs 0.41 reais.
The electric which is already sold in other markets, incorporates six airbags, a 7-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Hill Start Assistant and tire pressure monitoring, among others.
In the first months of the year there will also be the launch of the Megane E-Tech, the electric version of the classic model, which now displays an SUV style. Its 220 hp and 300 Nm of propellant torque accelerate it from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.4 seconds, with an interesting range of 450 kilometers and the ability to charge the battery in just 8 minutes using a quick charger.
allies for work
For those who use vehicles as a work tool and company fleets, savings are essential for the efficiency of their activities. In this sense there will also be important developments.
The Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech It will arrive in June. It is the natural replacement for the Kangoo ZE, has a load capacity of up to 4.9 cubic meters and 800 kg. In turn, a 120 hp engine offers a range of up to 300 kilometers.
On the other hand, a senior manager of Mercedes Benz has indicated that the Sprinter utility will also incorporate an electric variant, although it is not known when it will arrive in Argentina or if it will be produced at the Virrey del Pino plant in Buenos Aires.
An eSprinter is already marketed in Europe equipped with an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor, powered by two battery options (41 kW and 55 kW), which give it a range of 200 kilometers. The second generation is currently being tested. It has already passed tests at the Arctic Circle, at temperatures of -30 °, to test electric batteries that usually suffer from the effect of extreme temperatures.
European high voltage
Audifor its part, it has announced that it will arrive soon the RS eTron, a member of the ring brand SUV family, a sports car with surprising features. It has two electric motors per axle and reaches acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.3 seconds.
While volkswagen It shows the two electric models that will arrive in the country several months ago, although there is no confirmed date yet because they will make the first stop in Brazil. I am the ID.3 and ID.4which were exhibited last summer at the brand’s stand in Cariló.
The ID.3 is a sedan, 4,261mm long, which will be a direct rival to the Nissan Leaf, while the ID.4 is an SUV the size of the Taos, with a length of 4,580mm.
Both models have a 204hp engine mounted on the rear wheel. The ID.3 has a range of 426 kilometers and the ID.4, 522 kilometers. On the other hand, they are equipped with the latest driver assistance which brings them closer to autonomous driving.
Volvo promises to bring the new C40 Refill, a 4.43-meter-long SUV with a coupé-style rear suspension, equipped with an electric motor on each axle, reaching a combined power of 408 hp, with all-wheel drive. With this mechanical set, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km / h in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 180km / h.
The Swedish brand has limited all of its vehicles to that value. The model is powered by a battery with a capacity of 78 kWh, which provides a range of 440 kilometers. Plus, it can be recharged to 80% in just 40 minutes.
With options for all tastes and needs. electric ones will begin to arrive. At the same time, an acceleration in the development of the national cargo network is required, to accompany the greater tax benefits of these products.
The hybrids that can come
At the end of 2020, Argentina’s car fleet numbered only 4,631 hybrid cars. A year later, in December 2021, that figure jumped to 9,350. This market promises to continue growing not only in patents, but also in novelties.
In the second semester the Alfa Romeo Tonale, recently launched in Europe, which will include a plug-in hybrid version, equipped with a 1.3-liter petrol engine and an electric one. Together they provide a combined power of 275hp delivered to all four wheels thanks to the Q4 all-wheel drive system. It will have a range of 60 kilometers with combined use.
On the other hand, the projects and promises for next year are many, but some terminals remain reserved as regards the hybrid models that finally count. In the course of 2023 it is possible that a RAM Mild Hybrid will arrive with a 5.7-liter engine coupled to a 48-volt electric motor, reaching 395 hp and 556 Nm of torque. This engine allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.4 seconds and save 10% of fuel.
In the universe of Stellantis, ds cars It will also add a new product with this type of technology and the arrival of the hybrid Fiat 500 is expected. Additionally, Toyota is developing a regional model that will combine an electric motor with a combustion engine. The Japanese brand is the absolute leader in this type of vehicle in Argentina, and has the widest range of products: Corolla, Corolla Cross, RAV 4 and Prius.
Source: Clarin
