Rodrigo Coquis

Lima, Peru is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, a situation that leads to a reduction in life expectancy of 2.3 years, according to the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago, United States. The main cause is emissions from motor vehicles. Rodrigo Coquis, an industrial engineer from the University of Lima, wanted to solve this situation without the need to change cars or purchase an electric vehicle.

With the aim of mitigating the pollution generated by motor vehicles, in 2015 he initiated research that concluded in EcoEvol, a device that is installed in the fuel tanks of vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, or trucks. It works as a filter that destroys bacteria that reproduce in gasoline and diesel, degrade the fuel, and contribute to an increase in polluting gas emissions. In doing so, it reduces toxic emissions such as smoke and carbon monoxide. It also reduces fuel consumption and improves engine reliability. For this green technology, Coquis has been named by MIT Technology Review in Spanish as one of the Innovators under 35 Latin America 2023.

EcoEvol uses a material with electrocatalytic activity, which separates the elements of a chemical compound by means of electrical currents, that destroys bacteria suspended in liquid fuels. In this way, it reduces particulate and carbon monoxide emissions by up to 90% in industrial and mining vehicles and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15%, explains Coquis. This fuel purification also improves energy efficiency by achieving better energy conversion.

Coquis elaborates, "We have created devices that are compatible with cars, trucks, motorcycles, and heavy machinery. This technology is good for the environment and for users, especially in developing countries," explains Coquis, adding, "In Latin America, diesel often comes with water or is adulterated. With our technology, the fuel is cleaned, emissions are mitigated, and the cost of the device is paid for with improved fuel efficiency."

The start-up, present in Peru, is working on its internationalization with patents of its progress in more than 60 countries, mainly in developing areas. Coquis hopes to increase its production capacity with a larger plant to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Thus, the engineer puts into practice the motto "Act local, think global."