Quantum Motors El Salvador has officially launched Smart Drive, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion and electric mobility for Salvadoran drivers. The project, which was inaugurated yesterday, offers drivers of transportation platforms the opportunity to rent electric vehicles with the option to purchase them after a period.
Manuel Díaz, director of Quantum Motors El Salvador and the founder of the initiative, explained that the company has made a fleet of 10 Nexus model electric vehicles available to drivers. These vehicles can be rented for 2 to 4 years, and at the end of the contract, drivers have the option to purchase them at a residual cost close to $0. Quantum Motors has made an initial investment of $250,000 to kickstart the project.
Smart Drive operates as a financial lease contract, allowing drivers to make periodic payments for the use of the vehicles. Díaz emphasized that the project is designed for individuals working in mobility platforms who may not have access to traditional financing options.
The rental payment includes maintenance and insurance, provided by Atlántida Seguros, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the drivers. Participants will be able to list their vehicles on platforms like Uber, and will also have access to additional trips through Smart Drive’s alliances with restaurants and other tourism-related companies. The company plans to launch its own application to help drivers schedule trips in the near future.
Díaz also highlighted the significant savings in fuel costs that drivers would experience, as charging the electric vehicle costs the equivalent of $0.40 per gallon of fuel. This initiative is expected to reduce fuel expenses, which currently account for up to 40% of a driver’s income. Additionally, the electric vehicles maintain a range of 200 kilometers, even in traffic, without losing energy.
In collaboration with Movistar, the project will equip vehicles with Wi-Fi routers, offering both passengers and drivers the opportunity to access digital services, including recharges and Esim purchases.
The fleet of vehicles is set to expand to 150 units by the end of the year. Quantum Motors is currently seeking experienced drivers with positive ratings to join the project, and they already have a waiting list.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, who attended the inauguration, praised the initiative for promoting sustainable tourism, which is increasingly important to young international visitors.
Smart Drive is poised to transform the Salvadoran transportation landscape by providing an affordable and environmentally friendly option for drivers, while simultaneously driving growth in the country’s electric mobility sector.