Meet the Brazilian startup that wants to move electric cars to Uruguay and Argentina

It has only been in existence for three years, but it is enough for Zletric to make its mark on the recharging energy scene in Brazil. And the company's area of operation and business potential increased after the merger with Ecovagas, a charging network created by Estapar and EnelX. Partnerships with Nissan, Movida and the gas station network Sim are already included in the account for the recently-launched Rota Sul, a private network of electric stations for electrified cars that interconnects Paraná and Serra Gaúcha. A relatively low joint investment of R$2.4 million. But the most challenging investments are beyond the borders. "The idea is to reach Argentina and Uruguay," Pedro Schaan, CEO of Zletric, told DINHEIRO.

The timeline is defined. Five electroposts will be installed on the way to the two border countries, this time with an investment of R$ 5 million to be shared again among the partners. "We will go as far as Punta del Este, because Uruguay is super-covered, but Argentina is already starting to lack it again. One of the stretches calling for equipment placement, according to Schaan, is about 500 kilometers between Rio Grande do Sul and the border with Uruguay. "That route requires greater investment."

The investment to be made in the international project will be 100% higher compared to the Southern Route, but for a 50% smaller volume of charger points - there are ten between the southern states, with a maximum of 200km between the recharging points. The reason? The lack of structure for the implementation of the electroposts. Schaan cites as an example the Sim network station in São Sebastião do Caí (RS). New and well-structured, differently from the ones found in the country roads, opened in the 70's and 80's and in need of revitalization. Among the problems, according to the executive, is the structure of the energy distribution network throughout the region. "The power company has old poles that need to be replaced." That's why the investment soon reaches the millions of reais.

Zletric's business potential increased in December 2021 after the merger with Ecovagas. While Zletric is specialized in technology for operation, with a strong presence in the residential segment, with solutions for condominiums, Ecovagas is focused on the semi-public segment and serves Estapar parking spots located, for example, at airports, shopping centers and hospitals. The agreement announced in December 2021 resulted in the largest charging network in the country, with 600 semi-public charging points in 51 cities in 14 states, in addition to the largest private network of fast chargers - eight points in the states of São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The expectation for 2023 is to double the participation in the semi-public, increasing capillarity and reaching 20 states. "We have signed partnerships with dealership networks such as Eurobike, and the automakers Nissan, Renault, Stellantis and Volvo, in addition to Movida," said Schaan. "These relationships will accelerate infrastructure growth, which is critical for each partner to achieve their carbon neutralization goals."

The regions chosen for the network increase will follow the share of electric vehicle sales that happens in greater numbers in the South and Southeast regions, but without neglecting to look at strategic locations such as the Federal District and cities in the Northeast that already show great growth numbers. The expansion of the business is supported by the prospect of the arrival of new electric models in Brazil and in increasing volumes over the next five years. It is estimated that between 2027 and 2028 the price of electric models should be at the same level or even lower than that of combustion-powered models. Zletric is betting on this future - inevitable and electric.