SANTIAGO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- By 2050, Chile expects to convert 100 percent of its mass transit bus fleet into electric vehicles, the country's Ministry of Energy said on Monday.
The idea is to improve "people's quality of life" and at the same time promote "technological innovation and development of the energy sector to drive the country's progress," the ministry said in a published article.
"Electric mobility is ... the future," the ministry said, adding the benefits "are indisputable" as the vehicles are more efficient, cleaner, quieter and require less maintenance.
The second half of the year is expected to see the arrival of about 200 more electric buses, which will mainly shuttle along its capital city Santiago's east-west Grecia Avenue, which will become Latin America's first public transport "electric corridor".
The new buses will bring the capital's electric fleet to 400.
Santiago's current electric fleet is composed of 203 Chinese-made buses imported since December last year.
The new buses, also made in China, should be circulating in Santiago by October, Chile's Transportation Minister Gloria Hutt told Xinhua on Friday.
In addition to being fully electric, the Chinese-made buses feature Wi-Fi, USB ports, air-conditioning and other amenities.
