top of page

Get Engaged 

Follow our Blog posts via -Mail to stay up to date and get engaged. 

In a bid to revolutionize transportation in Ecuador, a non-profit project called WHEELS is making significant strides towards promoting sustainable transport through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Based in Quito, Ecuador, WHEELS, which stands for Women harnessing E-mobility in Ecuador for local sustainability, aims to accelerate the transition to low-carbon electric mobility within the country's transport sector.

With electric vehicles currently accounting for just a minuscule 0.02% of the entire vehicle fleet in Ecuador, the WHEELS project is on a mission to drive down fossil fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution by encouraging the widespread uptake of EVs. To achieve this ambitious goal, the project is actively working to overcome the various obstacles that have hindered the adoption of electric mobility in Ecuador. One of the key strategies employed by the WHEELS project is to create an enabling environment that facilitates the integration of electric vehicles into the mainstream transportation system. This involves enhancing institutional capacity, reducing the total cost of ownership of EVs to make them competitive with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, updating existing regulatory frameworks to support electric mobility, and focusing on changing public perceptions towards e-mobility. By addressing these critical barriers, the WHEELS project aims to pave the way for the widespread development and adoption of electric vehicle technology in Ecuador. Through its holistic approach to promoting sustainable transport, the project is not only helping to combat climate change and reduce air pollution but also laying the foundation for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation system for future generations. As the WHEELS project continues to gain momentum and make a tangible impact on Ecuador's transport sector, it serves as a shining example of how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can drive positive change in the realm of sustainable transportation. With a focus on empowering women in the e-mobility sector and advocating for environmentally friendly transport options, WHEELS is steering Ecuador towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

 
 
 

Electric mobility is a growing trend in the effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. In Quito, Ecuador, the WHEELS project is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for transportation. WHEELS, which stands for "Women harnessing E-mobility in Ecuador for local sustainability," aims to increase the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region.

Currently, EVs make up only a small fraction of Ecuador's vehicle fleet. With just 0.02% of vehicles being electric, there is ample room for growth in the market. The WHEELS project seeks to address the barriers that have prevented the widespread uptake of electric mobility in the country. One of the key objectives of the project is to level the playing field in terms of cost. By working to reduce the total cost of ownership of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, WHEELS aims to make electric mobility a more attractive option for consumers. This includes looking at factors such as charging infrastructure, maintenance costs, and incentives for EV owners. In addition to addressing cost concerns, the WHEELS project is also focusing on updating the regulatory framework surrounding electric vehicles. By working with policymakers and government agencies, the project is aiming to create a more supportive environment for the growth of electric mobility in Ecuador. This includes incentives for EV buyers, as well as regulations that promote the use of clean energy sources for charging EVs. Public perception is another key area of focus for the WHEELS project. By raising awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and dispelling common myths, the project aims to shift attitudes towards EVs in the community. By demonstrating the environmental and health benefits of electric vehicles, WHEELS hopes to create a more positive view of electric mobility in Ecuador. Ultimately, the goal of the WHEELS project is to create the conditions necessary for the development and scaling up of EV technology in Ecuador. By working to overcome barriers to adoption, such as cost, regulations, and public perception, the project is paving the way for a more sustainable future for transportation in the region. With their innovative approach and collaborative efforts, WHEELS is driving towards a cleaner, greener future for Ecuador's transport sector.

 
 
 

Electric mobility is gaining momentum in Ecuador, thanks to the innovative WHEELS project based in Quito. WHEELS, which stands for Women harnessing E-mobility in Ecuador for local sustainability, is a non-profit initiative with a bold mission - to fast-track the transition to low-carbon electric vehicles (EVs) in the country's transportation sector.

Currently, EVs constitute a minuscule 0.02% of the total vehicle fleet in Ecuador. To combat this, the WHEELS project is laser-focused on dismantling the obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of electric mobility. By creating a supportive ecosystem, the project aims to drive down reliance on fossil fuels, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and combat air pollution. To kickstart this electric revolution, the WHEELS project is taking a multi-faceted approach. This includes enhancing institutional capabilities, making the total cost of ownership of EVs competitive with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, revamping regulations to accommodate EVs, and reshaping public perception of e-mobility. By addressing these critical areas, WHEELS aims to lay down the groundwork for the widespread adoption and growth of EV technology in Ecuador. By facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, the WHEELS project is not only contributing to a cleaner and greener environment but also helping Ecuador meet its sustainability targets. With its innovative strategies and unwavering commitment, WHEELS is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation landscape in Ecuador. As the world embraces the electric mobility revolution, initiatives like WHEELS are crucial in driving this transformation forward. By fostering a conducive environment for the adoption of EVs, WHEELS is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Ecuador.

 
 
 
Dokument_Footer_GEF7_edited.png
logo MAATE.png

Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) gGmbH

Kopenhagener Str. 31E

10437 Berlin, Germany

​

Urban Living Lab Center

Gutenbergstr. 71/72

14469 Potsdam, Germany

@2025 by UEMI

bottom of page