How to charge an electric car vehicle in Uruguay?

How to charge an electric car vehicle in Uruguay?
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Uruguay is indeed a friendly country for electric vehicles. The country has been making significant efforts to promote and support the adoption of electric vehicles. Here are some reasons why Uruguay is considered friendly towards electric vehicles:

Charging Infrastructure: Uruguay has a well-developed network of charging stations across the country. These charging stations are widely available, making it convenient for electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles.

UTE Móvil App: The UTE Móvil app, developed by Uruguay’s national electricity company UTE (Administración Nacional de Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas), allows users to manage their electric vehicle charging sessions efficiently. The app provides information on nearby charging stations, availability, and even allows payments for the electricity consumed.

Government Support: The Uruguayan government has implemented various measures to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These include tax incentives, import duty exemptions, and financial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles.

Clean Energy: Uruguay has made remarkable progress in generating electricity from renewable sources. The country’s electrical grid predominantly relies on clean energy, making electric vehicle usage even more environmentally friendly.

Awareness and Education: Uruguay has been actively promoting awareness and education about electric vehicles. This helps familiarize the public with the benefits, charging procedures, and other aspects of electric vehicles.

Overall, Uruguay’s commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure, along with government support and a focus on clean energy, contributes to making the country a friendly environment for electric vehicles.

Map of electric car chargers in Uruguay. Source: UTE

Here you can see a dynamic map with all the charging stations in Uruguay: https://movilidad.ute.com.uy/carga.html?tab=red-de-carga

When it comes to charging an electric car, you have a few options available to you:

Home Charging: The most convenient and commonly used option is to charge your electric car at home. You can install a Level 2 charging station, also known as a wall connector, at your residence. This allows you to charge your vehicle overnight or whenever it’s parked at home. It is recommended to hire a professional electrician to ensure proper installation and safety compliance.

Public Charging Stations: Many countries, including Uruguay, have a well-developed network of public charging stations. These stations are typically located in public parking lots, shopping centers, and other public areas. You can use apps and websites that provide information about the location and availability of these charging stations to plan your trips accordingly.

Workplace Charging: Some employers offer charging infrastructure at the workplace. If you have access to a charging station at your office, you can take advantage of it to charge your electric car during working hours.

Fast Charging Stations: Fast charging stations, also known as DC fast chargers or Level 3 chargers, provide a significantly faster charging speed compared to Level 2 chargers. These stations are typically found along highways, allowing for quick charging during long-distance journeys. However, it’s important to note that not all electric cars support fast charging, so make sure your vehicle is compatible before using these stations.

Remember to always carry your charging cable with you, as different charging stations may require different connector types. Additionally, plan your journey and charging stops in advance to ensure a smooth and convenient charging experience.

Charging an electric vehicle in Uruguay is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

Download the “UTE Móvil” app from your App Store or Google Play. This app allows you to manage your electric vehicle charging sessions conveniently.

Connect your electric vehicle to a charging station using a Type 2 connector. These charging stations are widely available across Uruguay.

Open the UTE Móvil app and log in using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create one within the app.

Once logged in, navigate to the charging section of the app. Here, you will find a map displaying the nearest charging stations.

Select a charging station that suits your needs and check its availability. Some stations may require prior reservation, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once you have selected a charging station, follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the charging process. Confirm the charging duration and payment method.

To make the payment, you can link a credit card to your UTE Móvil app account. This allows you to easily pay for the electricity consumed during your charging session.

Once the payment is processed, the charging station will start supplying electricity to your electric vehicle. You can monitor the charging progress through the app.

Remember to unplug your vehicle once the charging session is complete to allow other users to utilize the charging station. Otherwise, you may be charged by using the space when your battery is 100%.

For more information and alternative options, you can visit the official website of UTE (Administración Nacional de Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas) at https://movilidad.ute.com.uy/


About the author

Andrés Canavesi
Andrés Canavesi

Software Engineer with 15+ experience in software development, specialized in Salesforce, Java and Node.js.


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