The R$40,000 electric car promises to conquer those who seek practicality

On the one hand, if there are large companies, such as Tesla, that produce luxury and aerodynamic electric cars, on the other hand, Quantum Motors, start From Bolivia, it promises innovation to those who seek practicality. That’s because the brand is betting on the mini electric car model that can seat up to three people and has a top speed of 56 km / h.

Read more: An electric car for 45,000 Brazilian riyals? If it was based on Chevrolet, it would be there

With golf cart dimensions, it accommodates the driver in the front and up to two passengers in the back seat. In addition, the vehicle has a range of 95 kilometers.

Small car

Founders start It points to the small car as the future of the Latin American auto industry. One argument is that it is precisely because of traffic jams that small cars make more sense for the flow of traffic. In addition, its operating cost is lower compared to conventional models.

Practically speaking, the small car can be charged at any port, eliminating the need for charging stations, as well as consuming an average of US$7 (35 R$) per month to charge the car.

The price is also attractive: 7,500 US dollars, which is roughly R$38,000. As such, it is the most affordable electric vehicle in the US and European market. Despite the advantages, Quantum has so far sold 370 electric vehicles.

bureaucracy

Although the startup is Bolivian, the company was initially unable to register its vehicles in Bolivia because local laws require vehicles to obtain an import document in a country where there is no auto industry.

It also affected insurance companies, which were wary about providing coverage, just as banks were unsure how to structure car loans.

For this reason, Quantum closed its doors shortly after its opening, in 2019, after political protests crippled Bolivia. Then the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, making it more expensive to import Chinese parts.