The Little EV Aiming to Kickstart Bolivia's Lithium Economy

Bolivia should be the world’s leading advocate for transitioning to electric vehicles both domestically and abroad. The South American country has the world’s largest reserve of lithium, a material crucial for the production of electric vehicle batteries. A Bolivian EV start-up is looking to boost the country’s transition with a practical and affordable car produced domestically for Bolivians.

Quantum Motors released its first electric vehicle just four years ago. The small, boxy EV has a top speed of 35 miles per hour and 50 miles of range. Though, it only costs $7,600 and can be recharged through a standard household outlet. The company has only sold 350 cars in Bolivia since its release.

Read more

• These Are Your Guilty Pleasure Cars

• The 15 Most Successful Formula 1 Cars of All Time

• These Cars Should Never Have Been Killed Off

Marco Antonio Rodriguez, a car mechanic in La Paz, noted to the Associated Press that the demand for the vehicle could shift when the government ends its significant gasoline subsidies. Bolivia’s government spends millions of dollars to halve the price of gas for Bolivians.

Though, government purchases of electric vehicles may encourage the domestic industry’s growth in the meantime. The City of La Paz launched a program called “médico en tu casa,” or “doctor in your house” in English, where doctors make house calls to patients who live in far-flung neighborhoods from the city center. The program uses a fleet of six Quantum vehicles, and the project is expected to double in case next year.