Chinese auto giant BYD is planning to expand its charging infrastructure across Mexico, introducing ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes.
Mexico is a vital market for BYD, China's largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, yet the company faces barriers to wider EV adoption in the country, including the sparsity of charging stations, which makes long-distance travel between cities a problem for local drivers.
"It's the same sensation as when you are out of your house and you see that your phone has only 10 percent battery, and you know that you're going to lose it. I have that feeling when I'm out of the city," said Daniel Lemus, a driver in Mexico City.
Lemus bought his first EV -- a model by BYD -- a year ago, which qualified him to drive for a premium ride service in Mexico City. Yet, the charging infrastructure in his country remains a daily concern. Analysts have a term for this.
"'Range anxiety' is a psychological effect that has come about with the arrival of electric vehicles. It's the fear of running out of battery, and it's very common," said Filiberto Tamez, electric mobility analyst.
Tamez believes education and infrastructure are key to overcoming this obstacle to widespread EV adoption.
"This is a new technology and we have to learn to manage it. But today, charging points are available in airports, homes, banks, supermarkets. The infrastructure has grown a lot," he said.
BYD also hopes to expand its manufacturing operations within Mexico.
"Mexico is always the largest auto manufacturer in the whole American region. The industry and the supply chain is more mature, and labor -- the talent -- is more mature. I hope we are leading the way just like we are doing in China," said Li Ke, BYD executive vice president.
Chinese auto maker BYD to expand charging facilities across Mexico
The prices of some life-saving medicines have soared to levels that are unaffordable for ordinary people in Venezuela, as the United States has ramped up military presence in the Caribbean off Venezuela's coast, alongside escalating sanctions, blockades and military threats against the oil-rich South American nation since late August.
At a northeastern suburb in the capital city Caracas, locals can still purchase most of the commonly used medicines at a major supermarket, where some antibiotics have been sold out, and some first-aid medicines and supplies have become too costly for ordinary residents.
"I'm here mainly to buy antibiotics. I have problems with my lungs. But I can't get all I want, such as vancomycin," said a resident named Alfonso.
"(Recent tensions have affected) the supplies and prices of drugs. The prices of cancer drugs, insulin drugs and albumin are very high, and most patients here cannot afford them," said Giovanna Gonzalez, a pharmacist with the supermarket.
Around 90 percent of the raw materials for drugs in Venezuela rely on imports, and the country's medical equipment such as monitors and anesthesia machines are almost entirely dependent on overseas supplies.
Main international airlines suspended flights to and from Venezuela in November, and U.S. blockades have delayed many cargo ships for a month, with some refusing to dock in Venezuela for safety concerns.
"Venezuela has been caught in the complex humanitarian emergency declared by the World Health Organization for about 10 years. If the suspension of flights persists, relevant international companies will have to choose more difficult or longer transportation routes, which will further push up the already high prices of medicines and medical equipment in Venezuela, and the patients will pay more money," said Huniades Urbina-Medina, president of the National Academy of Medicine of Venezuela.
Venezuela's medicine prices soar to unaffordable level amid US blockades
