How electric vehicles are helping Ecuador achieve its climate goals

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In the Ecuadorian capital Quito, a project supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called SolutionsPlus introduced a diverse fleet of electric vehicles to help the city meet its climate goals.

The flagship project, which recently ended after four-and-a-half years, was designed to support a more inclusive approach to transportation. Experts say this can support Quito to achieve its Climate Action Plan (PACQ) goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent compared to 2015 levels and reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

The project’s success offers hope for Latin America’s transport system in the wake of a recent UNEP report that said the region is taking a hesitant approach towards electrifying transportation.

“SolutionsPlus leaves a powerful legacy of innovation, sustainability and gender empowerment in urban mobility,” said Rob de Jong, Head of the UNEP Sustainable Mobility Unit. “It is a timely example of sustainable transport solutions in Quito, and it has and can continue to inspire similar projects across Latin America and the world.”

The SolutionsPlus demonstration project in Quito, Ecuador, emphasized gender inclusion. Credit: SolutionsPlus/Alberto Hidalgo

In addition to meeting PACQ targets, SolutionsPlus has been instrumental in helping the Quito Historic Center approach low or zero emissions. This urban area of 376 hectares with a population of approximately 40,000 is home to one of Latin America's most important historical sites.

SolutionsPlus was funded by the European Union and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), coordinated by the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) and implemented through UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme.

The project has introduced 10 e-cargo bikes, four e-mini vans and four e-quadricycles, which are being used by waste collection and recycling associations, a restaurant, a fruit market, courier companies and bicycle delivery associations.

Collectively, they transported roughly 300 tonnes of goods and covered 25,000 kilometres. This eco-friendly approach allowed them to maintain their business operations while preventing approximately 6.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Additionally, three start-ups received seed funding to design and assemble different types of light electric vehicles locally, mainly for logistics and passenger transport.

SolutionsPlus also emphasized gender inclusion in the transportation sector. A key partner in the pilot project was the recycling association Buena Esperanza de Pichincha, a women-led organization. The initiative also facilitated driver licensing for women, opening new employment opportunities in passenger and logistics e-vehicles. Furthermore, a dedicated workshop trained women on operating bikes and e-cargo bikes, equipping them with valuable skills for the emerging e-mobility sector.

SolutionsPlus brought together 48 consortium members to co-develop innovative e-mobility solutions for passenger and freight transport. The project operated living labs for capacity building and implementation support across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. UNEP was among the leading implementation partners.

Building on the success of SolutionsPlus, a new project funded by the GEF on behalf of Ecuador's Ministries of Environment and Transport called E-Moviliza aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in the country. The project unites government ministries, academic institutions and international organizations to expand sustainable transportation solutions nationwide. It is led by UEMI and the Urban Living Lab Center and overseen by UNEP. The project also receives support from the National Polytechnic School and the Sustainable Mobility Center.

UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Program supports over 60 countries in the Global South with US$130 million in grants to transition away from fossil fuels in the transportation sector. It advocates for e-mobility targets and policies globally, collaborating with the International Energy Agency through Global Working Groups. Regionally, UNEP partners with organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the Centro de Movilidad Sostenible to host support and investment platforms, fostering e-mobility marketplaces and capacity building to support policy development.

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