Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly gaining ground in the Brazilian market. According to the Brazilian Association of Electric Vehicles (ABVE), in 2023, 93.9 thousand units were registered, representing a growth of 91% compared to 2022. Projections for 2024 indicate a 61% increase, even with the resumption of import tax collection since January. This resumption aims to support the Green Mobility and Innovation Program (Mover), which encourages domestic production of EVs. ABVE expects that the stimulus for domestic production, technological advancements, and increased production will offset the challenges in importation, maintaining the trend of declining prices for electrified models in the medium and long term. There is also a growing interest among Brazilian consumers in electric vehicles. According to a survey by EY Brazil, 57% expressed an intention to purchase an EV, slightly surpassing the global average of 55%.
However, the analysis of factors influencing the purchase decision reveals that two out of the three main reasons are related to charging: initial cost (38%), lack of charging stations (36%), and inadequate charging infrastructure (30%). This underscores the importance of investing in efficient and accessible charging infrastructure. Although part of the demand is met by private charging at homes, condominiums, and businesses, publicly accessible chargers are essential to provide the same level of convenience and accessibility as conventional vehicle refueling. The 3rd National Electric Mobility Yearbook of PNME estimate that Brazil will have 10 thousand public and semi-public charging stations by 2025. Based on this projection, Greener estimates more than 6,800 charging stations in operation by the end of 2024.
The growth of the EV market and charging infrastructure creates additional opportunities for the solar energy sector. Photovoltaic system integrators can capitalize on this growth not only by offering solar energy generation solutions but also by including vehicle chargers in their service portfolios. In this scenario, integrators must be well-positioned to exploit this market. In addition to technical expertise, which should be continuously updated through training and education in the field, their established network of clients can drive this new business. By combining the savings provided by installing a residential photovoltaic system with the need for private charging, as mentioned earlier, one approach is to leverage the existing contact network with previous clients. Selling chargers to those who already have a PV system can be a good business opportunity. However, the role of integrators is not limited to the sale, installation, and maintenance of vehicle chargers. A strategic expansion involves offering integrated solutions that combine solar energy generation with electric vehicle charging. Although the vehicle charger market is in its early stages in Brazil, it is constantly expanding. The integration of solar energy with charging points is not just a trend but an opportunity for integrators to stand out in the electric mobility segment, paving the way for economically more advantageous proposals.
For the first time, Greener's GD Survey will address the Electric Mobility theme. Given the advancement of electric mobility in Brazil and aligned with our mission to produce information and strategies to guide the energy transition in the country, Greener introduces this theme in its traditional Distributed Generation (GD) Survey. Specific questions about sales and installations of vehicle chargers have been added with the aim of understanding how integrators have been exploring this segment and what their experiences have been. The GD Survey, conducted by Greener since 2016, covers thousands of photovoltaic system integrator companies across Brazil. Its objective is to understand the current behavior, trends, and expectations for the solar energy sector. In addition to electric mobility, other topics such as prices, financing, sales, and the Free Market will also be addressed. The results of the Survey are consolidated in the Strategic Distributed Generation Study, which is made available free of charge, with the support of sponsoring companies, to the entire sector.
Article by Greener
