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This paper introduces the Colombian case study developed under the Mitigation Actions Plans and Scenarios Initiative and the Endesa Colombia Electric Vehicles Initiative. It is aimed to consider the use of electricity in the transportation sector, particularly in the city of Bogota, Colombia. A model for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of the introduction of electric vehicules for private, utility and public services is proposed. Diversification of the energy basket by introducing electricity in the transportation sector is a plausible development strategy for the country. Colombian electricity is relatively clean because of the high hydro component in the generation basket; therefore the substitution of fossil fuels for electricity represents net savings in emissions of greenhouse gases as well as a reduction of particulate matter. The increase in electricity demand as a result of this new use is not high enough to stress installed generation capacity or supply security.

Abstract Rationing car use based on license plate number has become a popular policy in several cities around the world to address traffic congestion and air pollution. This paper studies the effects of the moderate and drastic driving restrictions imposed as part of the Pico y Placa program on car use and air pollution in Bogotá. Using data on ambient carbon monoxide, gasoline consumption, and vehicle sales and registrations, no evidence of an improvement in air quality or a reduction in car use is found in either phase of the program. On the contrary, there is some indication that, relative to the moderate phase, gasoline consumption, vehicle ownership, and carbon monoxide in the morning peak tended to increase slightly when drastic restrictions were implemented.