Brazil Electric Bus Market Overview
Electric bus market in Brazil registered a CAGR of 212.7% during 2013 – 2016, recording a shipment of over 2,000 units in 2016. The market in Brazil is currently in its nascent phase, though it is expected to grow significantly after 2017. The growth of this market in Brazil is chiefly attributed to the growing demand to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The first electric bus in Brazil was launched at Sao Paulo in 2014. The module of the bus was made in Brazil, and the batteries and recharge systems were delivered by Mitsubishi Motors (a Japan based company). The bus has a capacity to carry 124 passengers, and can cover 125 miles on a single charge. Owing to high degree of air pollution in Sao Paulo, the government in Brazil is planning to replace its diesel-powered buses with low-emission buses by 2020.
Brazil Electric Bus Market Dynamics
The market in the country is mainly driven by factors such as rising focus on charging infrastructure. Present charging infrastructure in the country is focused only around Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, though it is projected to strengthen across other key states, namely, Pernambuco, Sergipe, and Ceara. The roadblocks to the growth of the market include inadequate judicial support, strong disagreement from pro-Ethanol groups, limited charging infrastructure, and high initial procurement cost of electric bus.
INOVAR-AUTO Incentive Program to Back the Market Growth
Brazil has been the electric bus market in Latin America. The country produces more than 85% of its electricity from renewable sources and is dedicated to tackle environmental change by proactively reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints and endorsing new sources of renewable energy. Unlike developed economies or even emerging markets, the Brazilian government offers very few incentives for electric bus adoption.
In October 2012, Brazilian government approved INOVAR-AUTO, a new program to boost vehicle technology innovation, which fostered market competitiveness by reassuring automobile vendors to manufacture more efficient, safer, and technology-advanced vehicles. This program is continuously helping the Brazilian automotive manufacturers and buyers to shift their focus to electric vehicles. The country has the potential to become one of the largest markets of electric buses in Latin America in coming years.
High Tax Burdens to Hamper the Market Growth
Several initiatives have been taken to negate the obstacles towards the acceptance of electric buses in the country. Though, such initiatives are offering significant push to propel the market growth, but they are not enough to overcome the hindrances completely. Scarcity of supporting infrastructure and high cost of electric bus constitute large barriers to adoption. Unlike other Latin American markets, high tax burden in Brazil augments the already high procurement cost of electric bus. Depending on the state, Brazilian taxes on imported electric buses can add up to an estimated 120%, resulting in higher final price, which is hampering the sales of electric bus in the country.
To support the Brazilian electric bus market, the government of the country announced to support the market development in the country by exempting import tax. It highlights that the impact of tax burdens on the Brazilian market will only be for shorter period of time.
Brazil Electric Bus Market Competitiveness
Players in the Brazilian electric bus market is more focused on enhancing their product and innovating new products through various strategic approaches. Various international players are also paving the way for electric vehicles in Brazil. For instance, BYD Company Limited, announced to expand its Brazilian operations with new PV solar panel and electric bus chassis production.
BRAZIL ELECTRIC BUS MARKET SEGMENTATION
By Technology
- Pure Electric
- Parallel Hybrid
- Series Parallel Hybrid
- Series Hybrid
By Size
- Above 10 Meters
- Below 10 Meters
