Copec Voltex to build new charging hub for 41 electric buses in Chile
The project in Ovalle will be completed alongside the country’s transport ministry and Desarrollo País to support regional e‑mobility expansion.
Copec Voltex will develop a new charging hub for electric buses in the city of Ovalle, part of Chile’s broader effort to expand e‑mobility beyond Santiago. The project was presented during a site visit led by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT), regional authorities and representatives from Desarrollo País, which is coordinating the infrastructure rollout in several regions.
The new facility will supply energy to 41 vehicles that will begin operating in Ovalle during the first half of 2026, marking a significant step in the modernisation of public transport in the Coquimbo region. Authorities highlighted the positive results already seen in nearby cities such as La Serena and Coquimbo, where electric fleets have improved service quality and contributed to more sustainable mobility.
The charging infrastructure is being developed through a coordinated effort between MTT and Desarrollo País, the state‑owned agency responsible for structuring strategic public assets. “The start of construction for these charging centres is a key step for bringing e-mobility to the regions,” said Natalia Cortázar, Operations and Strategy Manager at Desarrollo País, noting that the assets will remain under state ownership while enabling cleaner transport systems.
Copec Voltex, a subsidiary of Copec, won the tender to build and operate the charging hub. The site will feature 10 chargers with a total connected power of approximately 1.65 MW, enabling efficient and simultaneous charging for the entire fleet. “We are committed to delivering robust, reliable solutions that support regional public transport and contribute to more sustainable mobility,” said Francis David, Commercial Manager at Copec Voltex.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Once completed, the charging centre will enable the launch of electric services benefiting nearly 9,000 residents of Ovalle, reinforcing Chile’s ongoing transition toward cleaner and more modern transport networks.
