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Do you know what electric mobility is? This is the field related to transport electrification. This means that, instead of fueling the car with gasoline or ethanol, it can be fueled by using electric energy. The scenario is already undergoing a transformation, through actions from companies such as Neoenergia. This is a challenge to the company, as a response to the main global demands related to the investment in renewable energy and sustainable development. Neoenergia’s Research and Development corporate manager, José Antônio Brito, answered the main questions on this topic.​​
 

HOW DOES NEOENERGIA INVEST IN ELECTRIC MOBILITY?​

Through Research and Development projects aimed at investing in and structuring solutions that serve electric-powered cars and the development of infrastructure necessary for recharging the vehicles. One of the examples is the own fleet of electric vehicles for use in administrative activities. Thus, the company started to provide electric chargers in all regional and administrative bases, distributed in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte.

The electric mobility projects developed by the company also include investment in a fully electric truck for use in distribution network maintenance services, in addition to the expansion of the existing electric station system in Fernando de Noronha.​

​WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR THE COMPANY TO HAVE PROJECTS IN THIS AREA?​

We recognize the importance of ensuring sustainable development through actions aimed at combating climate change and investment in electric mobility is a part of this commitment. After all, the use of electric cars reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, contributing to the planet decarbonization.

By investing in a cleaner energy matrix, the company contributes to transforming a reality that affects the lives of everyone on the planet. According to a study conducted by the United Nations’ (U.N.) Electric Mobility Program, means of transportation accounts for 25% of all CO2 global emissions. Thus, we believe that fleet electrification will be the future of rural and urban vehicular mobility.​

WHICH IS THE SCENARIO IN BRAZIL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY?​

The scenario is still in the very early stage and, therefore, there are several opportunities for the development of electric mobility in Brazil. An example is the infrastructure of electric stations, locations where electric-powered cars​ are recharged. These stations can be supplied both by the energy distribution network and by solutions such as the installation of photovoltaic plates for solar generation.

The change in this scenario needs to go hand in hand with the incentive for manufacturing vehicles, which can be made, among other ways, by reducing the tax burden. Thus, with more attractive and accessible prices, more people and companies will be able to acquire electric vehicles, increasing the interest in innovation and the traffic of these cars through the streets and avenues of the cities.​

​WHAT IS THE ROLE OF COMPANIES LIKE NEOENERGY TO MAKE VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION A REALITY IN SOCIETY?​

We understand that the whole world is going through transformations, and this includes new ways of consumption and solutions in search of a better quality of life. Electric energy plays a fundamental role in a world that wants to be different, especially when we see the impacts on the planet with the social isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic: historical decrease of Co2 emissions, drop in temperature and reduction of noise in cities. Therefore, we see that this will be the century of renewable energy, based on a more efficient, cleaner and more economical system.

Due to all this, Neoenergia focuses on energy transformation and recognizes electric mobility as one of the pillars to make it happen. Thus, the company has been studying ways to actively participate in the vehicle recharge market, following a global trend of being a platform of services and integrated solutions for its customers. This results in investments prioritizing a sustainable model for the energy sector and the fight against climate change.​

HOW CAN THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SECTOR CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SCENARIO?

​R&D projects generate knowledge that transforms the energy area and impacts several other segments. With the investment in electric mobility, technologies are created to provide increasingly sustainable services to the population. The studies on the electric mobility productive chain in the country are an example of this. Based on that, technologies are developed for the management of electric stations and electric vehicles. Combined to this, it is possible to propose business models for structuring and commercial feasibility of electric mobility.

Neoenergia's R&D sector also stands out for being attentive to market needs. Accordingly, it identifies technological gaps and assesses experiences in other countries, in order to develop equipment and applications with technologies effectively incorporated into the electric energy segment. Similarly, we contribute to the formulation of policies aimed at incentivizing the sector, while identifying sources of funding, stimulating the strengthening of the national scenario.​