Rio de Janeiro has launched the Elétrico Carioca project, investing BRL 509 million to acquire 175 battery-electric buses and build a charging depot. The funding includes BRL 329 million from the BNDES Fundo Clima, BRL 141.2 million from a private concessionaire, and BRL 38.8 million from the city government.
The 16-year public-private partnership covers one year for implementation and 15 years for operations. The private partner will manage vehicle procurement, depot construction, and maintenance. The new facility in the Maré district will span 41,000 square meters, with 23,000 square meters dedicated to e-bus operations.
The electric buses are scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2027, fully electrifying the Terminal Gentileza fleet. The city estimates that this initiative will prevent approximately 199,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the contract period, supporting a broader goal of reaching 20 percent zero-emission buses by 2030.
Brazil currently operates 2,216 electric buses, representing 21 percent of the Latin American market. Domestic production is rising, with Volkswagen Truck & Bus delivering its e-Volksbus model produced in Resende, and BYD planning to expand its local manufacturing capacity.
