Copec opens first charging center for buses outside Santiago

Located in Antofagasta, the site is equipped with 10 fast chargers to power the first 40 electric buses that will run in the city operated by Green Energy.

Copec has established the inaugural charging center for electric buses in the city of Antofagasta, being the first outside the Metropolitan Region to implement this type of technology in its public transport.

Copec Voltex was in charge of the design, engineering and construction of this charging center in its entirety, and will be responsible for the charging management and battery monitoring software. The new terminal, operated by Green Energy, has 10 high-power (150 kW) chargers that will power 40 electric buses.

Unlike traditional terminals, charging is located on the second floor thanks to the implementation of a retractable system. This system maximizes the use of space and allows for an expeditious and safer operation.

"With this center we contribute to an environmentally friendly, safe and decentralized public transportation system. We are proud to participate as pioneers of e-mobility in Antofagasta," commented Andrea Castro, General Manager of Copec Voltex.

In 2023, Copec completed a total of 11 terminals designed, built and operated by its subsidiary in the Metropolitan Region. These will power 50% of the 2,000 electric buses that currently run on the capital's public transport system.

With this new charging center, the first outside Santiago, the company will have a total of 12 sites in the country, making it the largest supplier of charging for public transport in Chile.