The first electric mobility corridor in the Northeast is being developed by Neoenergia and will be the largest in Brazil when completed, at the end of the first half of 2021. It will connect the capitals Salvador (BA) and Natal (RN), passing through the cities of Aracaju ( SE), Maceió (AL), Recife (PE) and João Pessoa (PB). The Green Corridor is the result of a Research and Development (R&D) project, regulated by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), and is part of the Neoenergia Electric Mobility Program, which integrates the company's plans to invest in stimulating the use of electric vehicles and the process of decarbonizing the economy. The project will have more than 1,100 kilometers of extension and a structure that will have 18 points of supply along the roads that connect the states and in urban areas.

The first phase started this month in Salvador and comprises the evaluation of the performance of electric cars on urban routes with proposals to open the electrophores to the public. Experimentally, there are six electric and hybrid vehicles traveling through several sections of Salvador. This initial period is essential to assess the autonomy of the cars, performance in everyday situations and definition of adjustments and improvements. The remaining electrophores will be delivered gradually until the end of the first semester of 2021. After completion, the Green Corridor should cover six of the nine states in the Northeast, passing through 70 municipalities and contributing to thousands of people being able to adhere to electric mobility in a more sustainable way .

In total, the Green Corridor will have 18 recharge points. Of that number, 12 will be along the roads that connect the six capitals in the SuperChargers format, which allows for a quick charge - about 30 minutes - and two vehicles being charged at the same time. The other electrophores will be of the Wallbox type, which have a medium load and will be installed in urban areas and shopping malls, with capacity for one vehicle at a time.

“This is an important challenge for Neoenergia, as we will develop a business model to make the Green Corridor viable and functional. We recognize the importance of ensuring sustainable development through measures aimed at combating climate change and investment in electric mobility is part of this commitment. After all, the use of the electric car decreases the emission of greenhouse gases, contributing to the decarbonization of the planet. We are also studying the association of recharging stations with solar energy, an important renewable and non-polluting source ”, declares Neoenergia's Research and Development corporate manager, José Brito.

In addition to the environmental benefit, the electric-powered car has other advantages, such as efficiency. The electric vehicle runs 100 kilometers for a lower price when compared to other fuels. It avoids noise pollution, as it does not emit sounds, and can be more practical, since the electric motor has fewer parts and occupies a smaller space in the car. All of these factors combined contribute to stimulating ecological awareness and investing in ‘green’ initiatives.

Innovation in progress 

The R&D project also includes the creation of software that will collaborate for the management and use of the Green Corridor. Drivers will be able to access an application in which they will present information about vehicle reservation, station location and payment. The system for managing the gas stations will have data from the charging stations and definition of dynamic tariffs.

In addition, the company is in progress with an experimentation laboratory created to analyze scenarios of possible charges that may be charged to vehicle users in a possible opening of the electrophores to the general public. “Our goal is to make the Green Corridor commercially viable, that's why our project encompasses business models that contemplate this while promoting sustainable initiatives for all”, reports Brito.