Beyond Petroleum: A Study of the Potential Impacts from the Introduction of Electric Cars In Ecuador
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Private cars are turning electric the world over. Additionally, Ecuador stands to benefit by moving away from fossil fuels to electric transport. Transport makes up 46% of the national annual energy demand, the fuel for which needs to be mostly imported into the country, and is then subsidized by the government (3.883 million USD representing 3.94% GDP in 2012). This paper sets out to quantify the potential electricity demand that would be generated from a mass conversion to electric cars, with a particular look at the country’s three main cities. Wind and solar power are then compared with the hydropower potential to meet this demand. It is found that wind and solar are competitive with hydropower, but where large spaces would be required. Additionally, decentralized solar photovoltaic power could meet the electricity demands created from electric cars in Quito for example, if under 30% of available roof space in the city could be harnessed to this effect. Further work is needed in looking at how best to balance intermittent renewable energies with a variable electric transport demand. Overall, electrified vehicles entail big changes in the energy sector, and where the need to reduce cars should not be forgotten.