Rio Grande do Sul boosts EV charging network as safety rules tighten

Electric vehicle sales in Rio Grande do Sul rose 35% between 2024 and 2025, reaching 12,554 units, with projections to exceed 9,650 units in 2026, according to the Brazilian Association of Electric Vehicles (ABVE). The rapid expansion of the fleet has prompted fire safety officials to call for stricter regulations on charging infrastructure in apartments, commercial buildings and underground garages, citing risks such as thermal runaway, high‑temperature fires and toxic gas release from lithium‑ion batteries. Requirements under discussion include dedicated circuits, surge protection, emergency shut‑off devices, proper ventilation and prohibition of improvised wiring.

Solled Energia inaugurated a new fast‑charging station at the Reserva dos Pássaros condominium in Santa Cruz do Sul, part of a planned R$ 3 million investment to install 48 charging points across Rio Grande do Sul by the end of 2026. The state now hosts 14 operational stations and ranks 14th nationally with 471 electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles, of which 145 are fully electric. Users can locate and pay for charging via the Solled Mobilidade app, and a promotion offers a rate of R$ 1.00 /kWh during June daytime hours.