Hernandarias, Alto Paraná—The shift to sustainable urban transport in Paraguay has hit a decisive milestone, with the electric bus pilot program in Hernandarias proving an unqualified success. Launched through a bilateral partnership between Paraguay and South Korea and fueled by ITAIPU’s clean hydropower, the project’s initial operational data firmly establishes the viability of electric public transport.
The numbers speak volumes about the efficiency of these 100% electric vehicles. Traveling a total of 46,589 kilometers, the buses recorded an impressive average consumption of only 0.96 kWh/km. This performance translates directly into significant ecological and economic benefits: the pilot has already saved 19,412 liters of diesel and prevented the release of 52 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This data not only validates the project's economic feasibility but also underscores Paraguay's firm commitment to a greener future.
Beyond the metrics, the impact on citizens' daily lives is clear. Approximately 110,000 local passengers and 3,085 tourists have experienced the modern fleet. Users praise the quieter, smoother ride that electric propulsion provides, noting the welcome reduction in urban noise pollution. Drivers, too, have emphasized the ease and comfort of operating the new vehicles, highlighting how this technological upgrade directly enhances quality of life.
The success is underpinned by strong institutional collaboration—involving ITAIPU, PTI-PY, MIC, and Katech—and robust infrastructure. Key to reliable service are the two 200 kW fast chargers installed at the terminal and ITAIPU headquarters.
Crucially, this initiative is the nation’s first to test a range of electric vehicles, from buses to trucks and pickups. The program’s main objective is to establish a scalable, national model. Hernandarias is no longer just a local example; it is now the blueprint for a national and regional movement toward sustainable mobility. This pilot is setting the technical and satisfaction benchmarks for a completely electrified future for Paraguayan public transport.
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