Carbon Tracker warns about the arrival of "disposal" vehicles if the efficiency standard's schedule is altered

Carbon Tracker, a UK-based think tank, and the Sustainable Mobility Center (CMS) warned about the risks Chile faces if it modifies the entry into force of the second phase of the energy efficiency standard for light vehicles. In the context of the publication of a report on the advantages of Chile advancing in the implementation of electric vehicles, the study supports the standard coming into force in two months' time, a standard that was born in the context of the 2021 Energy Efficiency Law. The opposite of what the National Automotive Association of Chile (Anac) proposed last week. In detail, the study raises the need to "maintain phase two of Chile's Energy Efficiency Law, Law No. 21,305 (2027-2029) – corporate fleet average of 22.8 km/Lge (kilometers per liter of gasoline equivalent)". The document backs its call in the international context. The study raises the risk of deviating from the original plan in the context of other countries advancing on the matter. The document establishes that maintaining the measure is "preventing the dumping of ICEs (Internal Combustion Engine, or a vehicle that uses fossil fuels)". "Protecting the 2027 implementation deadline prevents global automakers from redirecting inefficient ICE (internal combustion vehicle) models toward Chile as regulations become stricter in the major markets of the northern hemisphere," the text says. Another argument is to "protect consumers from fuel price volatility". "By requiring cleaner and more energy-efficient fleets, phase two directly protects Chilean households and businesses from exposure to the volatile international prices of fossil fuel imports," it added. Meanwhile, ANAC raises its objections to the implementation of this phase of the energy efficiency standard in the context of the price value of new vehicles. The trade association calculated an impact of US$1.76 billion and an increase of up to US$5,000 in the price of new cars. Ben Scott, author of the report and head of energy demand at Carbon Tracker, stated that "the idea that fleet efficiency standards automatically make all cars more expensive misinterprets how these regulations work". "Manufacturers are evaluated based on the average efficiency of the vehicles they sell, which gives them flexibility to meet the target by offering more efficient and electric models, rather than requiring every vehicle to meet the same standard," he added. Contribution of electromobility Regarding the study, the main conclusion is that Chile could save approximately US$27 billion in cumulative fuel import costs by 2050 if it accelerates its transition from gasoline and diesel vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Regarding the state of electromobility in the country, the report notes that despite Chile's progress in the electrification of public transport, particularly in Santiago, electric vehicles accounted for only about 3.5% of new light and medium vehicle sales in the first seven months of 2026. "Chile has significant advantages to accelerate adoption. Nearly two-thirds of its electricity comes from renewable sources, and its position as one of the leading producers of copper and lithium gives it a strategic role in global electric vehicle supply chains," Carbon Tracker highlights. The study also raises the need for policies that promote the supply of zero-emission vehicles, which today have a high cost compared to their traditional versions, and for improving charging network infrastructure. "Long-distance interurban connectivity remains a critical operational bottleneck," it emphasized. NEWSLETTERPulso PMMonday to Friday, 12:30 PMThe most relevant news on markets, companies and business: timely information, context and content to make better decisions. By subscribing you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of La Tercera.