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Maracaibo, the Former ‘City of Oil,’ Decided to Invest in a Future Without Gasoline

Written by Valdemar Medeiros
Published on 12/09/2022 at 12:14
Maracaibo, a antiga 'cidade do petróleo', decidiu investir em um futuro sem uso de gasolina
Foto: The Verge/Reprodução
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Aiming For A Gasoline-Free Future, Inventors From Maracaibo, Venezuela, Develop Electric Cars That Could End Dependence On Petroleum-Based Fuel In The Country.

In Maracaibo, Venezuela, two inventors are trying to foster investments in small electric cars powered by solar energy, to shape a future without gasoline. It is important to remember that this is a rich city due to oil exploration, thus, the inventors are aiming for an alternative for residents tired of fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations.

Electric Cars Powered By Solar Panels Have A Top Speed Of 40 Km/h

The 43-year-old electrical technician, José Cintron, developed a solar-powered car, while Augusto Pradelli, 61, created a small electric vehicle that can also utilize energy from solar panels. Both vehicles are built on the structure of old golf carts with more powerful batteries.

According to Pradelli, who has a workshop in Maracaibo, in the extreme northwest of Venezuela, these electric motors are silent, do not vibrate, do not pollute, are the future, and the world needs to think of a future without gasoline and without depending on oil.

The small vehicles can carry up to four people and travel between 25 and 40 km/h. “The batteries can be recharged with solar panels in 10 hours or faster through an electric charging point,” claims one of the inventors.

“The beauty of solar energy is that while there is sunlight, the vehicle is always charging. Unlike oil and gasoline, the sun is free, and that is what should be harnessed,” highlighted Pradelli.

Solar Energy Can Contribute To A Gasoline-Free Future

The two men, who self-financed their innovations, plan to work together to create a hybrid car and eventually reach production across Venezuela, which was once one of the largest oil producers in the world.

According to Cintron, solar energy can contribute to a future without gasoline and dependence on fossil fuels, but this won’t happen overnight, and oil will not disappear so easily.

The inventors claim that the benefits are just part of the appeal for the residents of the city in Venezuela. The other beneficial aspect is how solar-powered cars could help with incessant power outages and fuel shortages.

Production in Venezuela’s oil industry has declined after years of poor maintenance and lack of investment. Long lines at gas stations are a regular occurrence.

President Of Venezuela Plans To Invest In Solar-Powered Vehicles

Pradelli claims that Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, has indicated support at a science and technology event in August, when his vehicle was being showcased.

The inventor states that the president wants to buy the project and adds that he needs means to produce it.

Valdemar Medeiros

Formado em Jornalismo e Marketing, é autor de mais de 20 mil artigos que já alcançaram milhões de leitores no Brasil e no exterior. Já escreveu para marcas e veículos como 99, Natura, O Boticário, CPG – Click Petróleo e Gás, Agência Raccon e outros. Especialista em Indústria Automotiva, Tecnologia, Carreiras (empregabilidade e cursos), Economia e outros temas. Contato e sugestões de pauta: valdemarmedeiros4@gmail.com. Não aceitamos currículos!

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