In this special segment, we’re highlighting a recent Expert Talks interview hosted by Daniel Bland from Fleet Mobility Today, featuring Raul Moreno, CEO of NextGen Intelligence.

Raul is a leading voice in smart mobility across Latin America, and his insights reveal how the region is not just catching up, but in many ways, leading the global shift toward cleaner, smarter transportation.

One standout theme was the rapid growth of electric mobility. Despite limited infrastructure, Latin America’s adoption rates are outpacing those in the U.S. and Europe. Raul emphasized that the lack of widespread charging networks hasn’t slowed progress. Cities with fewer resources are embracing electric systems with remarkable speed.

This is evident in projects like Medellín’s Metrocable, an electric cable car network connecting hillside communities to the city center. Mexico City and La Paz have launched similar aerial mobility systems, proving practical and transformative in challenging terrain.

Raul also highlighted Bogotá’s TransMilenio and Santiago’s electric bus fleet as flagship examples of scalable, sustainable public transit. These initiatives are reducing emissions while improving accessibility.

Charging infrastructure is evolving rapidly, thanks to AI and big data. Smart systems now optimize energy distribution, allowing vehicles to charge efficiently without massive infrastructure investments. Ultra-fast charging is also gaining traction as China already uses chargers delivering up to one megawatt, enabling EVs to recharge in just 15–20 minutes.

Another innovation is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which lets EVs act as mobile energy storage. Drivers can charge at night when rates are low, then sell energy back to the grid during peak hours. This model, already tested in Europe, could offer major benefits in Latin America.

Looking ahead, wireless or inductive charging where vehicles charge by parking over magnetic fields—is emerging. Already used in some consumer vehicles, it could soon scale to public transit.

The conversation then turned to Latin America’s role in the global battery supply chain. The “Lithium Triangle” - Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile - holds over half the world’s lithium reserves. Chile leads in extraction and processing, while Argentina is launching projects with foreign partners. Bolivia faces challenges, especially after depleting its natural gas reserves.

Mexico recently nationalized lithium, opting to proceed without foreign partners. While this asserts sovereignty, it has delayed development due to limited local tech capabilities. Raul stressed the need for partnerships with companies like CATL and BYD to fully leverage the region’s mineral wealth.

Latin America’s manufacturing strength is well known, but its tech development is still emerging. Raul believes this is changing as countries invest in innovation, education, and strategic alliances.

To meet 2030 sustainability goals, Raul’s message was clear: electrify all modes of transport. From cable cars to metro systems, electric mobility is key to reducing emissions and building inclusive, smart cities.

As the interview wrapped up, Daniel reminded us that the future of mobility isn’t just being shaped in Silicon Valley. Latin America has the talent, ideas, and real-world case studies to lead its own transformation.

Daniel’s conversation with Raul Moreno was a powerful reminder: Latin America is not just participating in the mobility revolution, it’s helping define it.

FleetMobilityToday.com