Austral Chile 2024

Start of the expedition through one of the southernmost routes in the world.

Start of the expedition through the Carretera Austral heading south, beginning a journey in electric bicycles and support electric vehicles. In this first section, the landscape appears with the vestiges of the landslide that Villa Santa Lucia suffered in 2017, where the vegetation has not fully recovered. However, towards the south, beautiful rivers and lush vegetation begin to predominate.

Promoting sustainable tourism.

This stage went from Puyuhuapi to Queulat, within the Coyhaique commune, which spans over 7,000 km². Nestled between the Simpson and Coyhaique river valleys, the city has over 60,000 inhabitants and a population density of 6.86 people per km². The riders covered 90 km and inaugurated a fast-charging station at Patagonia House (Coyhaique), aiming to support the charging network along the Carretera Austral.

Collaboration with local communities.

The expedition reaches Laguna San Rafael National Park, next to Lake General Carrera, which divides Chile and Argentina. This stage covers 96 km, during which the paved road gives way to dirt—terrain that will accompany the riders for the remainder of the adventure. In Río Ibáñez, a collaboration agreement was signed with the Municipality to benefit 45 children from three educational centers through environmental education experiences.

Electrifying the road sustainably.

The route continues from Cerro Castillo and Puerto Tranquilo to Patagonia National Park. There lies the Marble Cathedral, a unique natural spectacle on Lake General Carrera. As the journey continues, the confluence of the Baker River and the Neff River appears, running parallel to the road for several kilometers. At the end of the route, the riders inaugurate Grenergy’s new public charging point at the Explora Hotel. Additionally, during this stage, they sign an agreement with the Bicentennial High School Austral Lord Cochrane to fund various educational projects and sustainability workshops.

Connecting remote areas.

This stage includes Puerto Yungay, a stretch that must be crossed by boat to traverse the Bravo River. Here, Grenergy has installed a strategic public charger to ensure EV autonomy in this remote area. The journey ends in Villa O’Higgins, the southernmost point of the Carretera Austral, where an agreement was signed to provide five scholarships for students for the 2024 academic year and to improve the school’s greenhouse.