Innovation, Business / Published October 16, 2019

Copec Voltex inaugurates “Electro Ruta del Cobre”


The subsidiary of Empresas Copec, together with ProCobre, launched this initiative that will provide fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the cities of Antofagasta, Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. For the first time in these three cities, cars will be able to charge in just 20 minutes.

This initiative is part of the expansion of the Copec Voltex network, South America’s largest fast-charging infrastructure, which is about to reach 1,000 linear kilometers of the national territory.

The “Electro Ruta del Cobre” is the result of an alliance between Copec and ProCobre, a nonprofit organization that is part of the International Copper Association (ICA) network sponsored by world copper producers and manufacturers. Its mission is to promote the use of copper, especially in Chile and Latin America, promoting a favorable disposition towards its use and promoting research and development of new applications to allow better quality of life.

This strategic alliance is a contribution to the country’s target to electrify 100% of the public transport system and 40% of private vehicles by 2040.

The ceremony was attended by the Assistant Secretary of Energy, Francisco Javier López, other authorities and executives of Copec and ProCobre. In this context, the Zona Norte Copec manager, Alberto Ferrand, said: “We are fully aware of the challenges facing the planet and especially the energy industry to which we are a part. Chile is a few months away from COP25 and, from our perspective, the confluence of the private sector in the global effort to move towards an economy based on clean energy is an unavoidable condition. Copec responded early to this call and has been actively working to respond to the challenge. A specific example is the Copec Voltex network, with which we are providing Chile with the electric charging infrastructure necessary for the take-off of electromobility, with points both inside and outside the Service Stations.”