Brazil accelerates toward sustainable mobility with biofuels and electrification

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With the expansion of the road network and vast availability of natural resources, Brazil finds itself at a crucial point to lead the transition to clean energy in the transportation sector. By combining biofuels and electrification, the country demonstrates that it is possible to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions—a significant challenge for a nation where road transport dominates national logistics.

Historically, Brazil stands out for its use of biofuels such as ethanol derived from sugarcane. According to data from the Sugarcane Industry Association and Bioenergy (UNICA), ethanol has contributed to a reduction of approximately 600 million tons of CO₂ in the last ten years—a volume close to the annual emissions of medium-sized European countries. With flex technology, the use of ethanol represents one of Brazil’s most promising alternatives, creating a model that leverages a renewable, low-carbon resource.

At the same time, the electrification of the Brazilian fleet, although still in its early stages, is growing steadily. According to the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE), the number of electric vehicles in the country increased by 41% in the past year alone. This growth reflects not only a shift in the Brazilian consumer profile but also advances in governmental incentive policies and private investment in infrastructure, such as the installation of charging points on highways and in urban centers. Eletrobras, for instance, has led initiatives to implement fast-charging stations, a crucial step for making electrification viable in a country with long distances between cities.

Another promising alternative in the transportation energy matrix is hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which shows significant compatibility with heavy vehicle engines like trucks and buses. HVO can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to regular diesel. Additionally, biogas, generated from the treatment of organic waste, is gaining traction in metropolitan regions such as São Paulo and Curitiba, where it is used in public transport fleets, offering a more sustainable and economically viable alternative.

Electrification is advancing in an integrated way with public policies that encourage the use of renewable energy. Through the Renovabio program, the government certifies and promotes biofuels, setting emission reduction targets and rewards for companies meeting sustainability goals. This initiative is part of the effort to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning Brazil with the Paris Agreement. The Ministry of Mines and Energy estimates that renewable energy incentive policies in the transportation sector could result in savings of up to 100 million tons of CO₂ over the next decade.

Brazil is also advancing in the development of hybrid vehicles that combine combustion engines and electricity. In 2024, around 30% of new vehicles sold in the country were flex hybrids—a technology that combines ethanol use with electrification, expanding sustainable options for consumers and helping to reduce emissions.

The growth of the biofuel and electric vehicle sector is intrinsically linked to increased environmental awareness among consumers. According to an IBOPE survey conducted in 2024, 75% of Brazilians consider sustainability a decisive factor when purchasing a new vehicle. This figure reveals a behavioral shift that accompanies the adoption of new policies and technologies in the automotive sector.

The diversity of energy sources in the Brazilian transportation sector is one of the country’s main advantages, allowing the use of ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and biogas in a complementary manner and adapted to the needs of a varied fleet. This flexibility ensures that energy solutions suit the country’s reality, whether in urban transport or the long distances of national highways.

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The advance of electrification and the use of biofuels is accompanied by the expansion of a robust and modern charging network. By the end of 2023, Brazil had over 3,500 public charging stations for electric vehicles. Municipal projects, like MobiCidades, encourage the use of alternative transport and provide subsidies for electric fleets, especially buses, in urban centers.

Another essential aspect of the transition is the role of universities and research centers. Institutions like USP and UFRJ are conducting advanced research in biofuels, synthetic fuels, and autonomous vehicles, helping create a scientific basis that enables innovation and technology adaptation to the national context.

On the other hand, the initial cost of electric vehicles still poses an obstacle for many consumers. However, the continuous drop in electric battery prices is expected to make these vehicles more accessible in the coming years. The federal government is studying tax exemptions and other incentives to reduce acquisition costs, aiming to democratize access to electric vehicles.

The energy transition in transportation also represents an important economic opportunity, generating over 700,000 jobs in the biofuels sector and strengthening the local economy. Investments by private companies in alternative fuel infrastructure and research not only reinforce competitiveness but also increase the market value of these companies.

Brazil takes a prominent position by integrating different clean energy technologies into a crucial sector like transportation. In an international context where the European Union and Asian countries invest in hydrogen and ultra-fast batteries for long-distance fleets, Brazil differentiates itself by efficiently and sustainably using biofuels, establishing itself as a reference in low environmental impact solutions.

Brazil’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 depends on continuous innovation and the development of robust public policies. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for sustainable mobility to become a long-term reality, positioning Brazil as a nation seeking cutting-edge solutions for the planet’s preservation.

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