Abstract—The transportation sector in Latin America and the Caribbean contributes 37.7% of the region’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driven primarily by reliance on fossil fuels. This makes decarbonization of transportation critical for meeting global climate targets. Electric mobility (EM) is widely regarded as a viable solution to reduce emissions; however, its effectiveness depends on the carbon intensity of each country’s energy matrix. While substantial progress has been made in adopting renewable energy sources in the region, gaps remain in understanding the relationship between electric mobility and emission reductions, particularly across countries with diverse energy profiles. This study aims to evaluate the role of battery electric vehicles in reducing CO₂ emissions in Latin America by conducting a systematic review of regional literature and analyzing CO₂ emissions from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs). The methodology included a narrative systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a comparative analysis of emissions using a comparative emissions analysis between three of the best-selling BEVs in Latin America (BYD Dolphin GS 180EV, Tesla Model 3, and BYD Seagull) and the region’s best-selling gasoline vehicle (Volkswagen Golf). Emissions were calculated based on the carbon intensity of electricity generation in each country. The findings reveal significant variability in emission reductions, with countries like Paraguay, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Brazil, which have renewable energy grids, achieving reductions exceeding 90%. In contrast, nations with fossil fuel-heavy grids, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, see more modest reductions, although BEVs consistently outperform gasoline vehicles in all scenarios. Key barriers identified include insufficient charging infrastructure, high upfront costs of BEVs, and limited data for smaller nations. This study highlights the importance of integrating electric mobility strategies with renewable energy investments to maximize environmental benefits. Policymakers must address infrastructure deficits and regional disparities while promoting fiscal incentives and international collaboration. These findings underscore the transformative potential of electric mobility in achieving substantial CO₂ reductions, offering a pathway for Latin America to align with global sustainability goals.
Keywords—battery electric vehicles, greenhouse emissions, Latin America, electro mobility, automotive engineering
Cite: Andrea C. Sanchez-Diaz, Julian C. Pena-Bermudez, and Ricardo A. Ramirez-Mendoza, "The Role of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Reducing CO2 Emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean ," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 437-444, 2025.
Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).