Industrias Quantum Motors SA is a vehicle manufacturing company based in Cochabamba, Bolivia and founded by José Carlos Márquez and Carlos Suroco Deiters in 2017.[1] The company originally made mini electric dump trucks for the mining industry.[2] It also makes motorcycles and bicycles.[3][4]
Electric cars
[edit]The company obtained a license to manufacture a small Chinese electric car, very similar in shape to the Henan Camp Industrial Co Ltd Robeta electric car, which Quantum adapted to suit Latin American conditions.[5] The cars were first manufactured in Bolivia in 2019 with 60% imported components and 40% local. The E2 and E3 models can fit up to three passengers and have a maximum speed of 55 km/h (34 mph).[6][3]
The company has expanded its operations into Peru, Paraguay, Mexico and El Salvador. Agreement was reached with the Mexican government in 2022 for Quantum to manufacture its new E4 model there for the Mexican market. Quantum is working with the Mexican company Potencia Industrial SA de CV.[7][3]
In Peru, Quantum marketed the Colibri, a three-wheel electric vehicle.[8] Quantum began operations in El Salvador in 2021 and announced it was going to build a factory there in 2022 producing the E5 model.[9]
In 2022 Quantum began discussions with the Cuban government about the possibility of supply its electric vehicles and other products. These discussions were ongoing in 2023 with Quantum intending to show its products at the 10th Latin American Integration Association (ExpoAladi-2023) in Havana.[4]
By 2023 the company had sold about 350 cars in Bolivia, but was finding it difficult to compete against the fuel subsidized fossil fuel vehicles.[10]
Models
[edit]Electric cars
- E2 production commenced 2019 - no longer in production
- E3 production commenced 2019 - no longer in production
- E4 production commenced 2020
- E4+ (or E4 mountaineer) production commenced 2020
- E5 production commenced 2022
Tricycle car/motor scooter
- Colibri
- Duk-E - cargo carrier
Motor scooter
- Yuki
Scooter
- SK!
Electric Bikes
- Ara
- Condor
- Tuki
Electric tricycle
- Multi bike
Batteries
[edit]One of the challenges for Quantum was obtaining low cost lithium batteries.{{Dubious}} Up until 2022 when it established Quantum Batteries it had to rely on China for its supply.[citation needed]
Electric bikes
[edit]Quantum has partnered with the Chinese Company Yadea, who makes electric bikes that are imported by Quantum.[11] Quantum also markets Super Soco electric bikes under licence.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ Dube, Ryan (26 April 2023). "Look Out, Tesla, There's a Really Tiny Competitor in Your Rearview Mirror". Wall Street Journal. US. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ Quantum, Soporte (3 February 2022). "José Carlos Márquez, el "loco" de los autos eléctricos" [José Carlos Márquez, the "crazy" electric car] (Press release) (in Spanish). Bolivia: Quantum. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ a b c "Cochabamba con mayor cantidad de vehículos eléctricos en Bolivia" [Cochabamba with the largest number of electric vehicles in Bolivia]. Prensa Latina (in Spanish). Cuba. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ a b "Vehículos eléctricos de Bolivia buscan mercado en Cuba" [Electric vehicles from Bolivia seek market in Cuba]. Prensa Latina (in Spanish). Cuba. 28 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ "High Speed Car 4 Wheel Mini Electric Classic Car". China: Robeta New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. Retrieved 2 May 2023.[failed verification]
- ^ Machicao, Monica; Cartagena, Diego (28 July 2022). "Tiny Bolivian automaker bets it can tap world's largest lithium deposits". US: Reuters. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ Pipoli, Renzo (21 February 2023). "Bolivia's auto producer Quantum to open in 2023 Mexican plant and aims to offer Mexican-made EVs for about $7,500". Reuters Events. US. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ "Quantum Colibri". Peru: Quantum. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ "Quantum will invest $2.5 million to install a factory in El Salvadore". Economy (in Spanish). Bolivia. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ Bolivian EV Startup Hopes Tiny Car Will Make It Big in Lithium-Rich Country, Associated Press, May 15, 2023 0:05 AM, retrieved 5 June 2023
- ^ Graham, Thomas (12 April 2022). "Tiny cars and massive lithium deposits: The unlikely quest to build electric vehicles in Bolivia". Retrieved 28 April 2023.