In recent years, the electrification of transport in Mexico has gained momentum as companies from various sectors have invested in electric mobility driven by sustainability commitments, environmental regulations, investor expectations, and operational cost optimization. Although there is no official statistic on commercial electric fleets, it is estimated that there are approximately 500 heavy trucks in Mexico, mainly in distribution fleets, and about 7,500 vans and light vehicles.
In 2022, the acquisition of commercial electric vehicles in Mexico reached its peak and then experienced a slowdown. Factors such as the limited availability of suitable models for each sector, more rigorous financial and business evaluations, and a pause in new investments to analyze results influenced this trend.
Electromobility in commercial fleets in Mexico is advancing at different rates depending on the type of vehicle and its application. Companies that anticipate these changes may lead the transformation and benefit economically and environmentally. In sectors such as retail and food distribution, electric trucks are being incorporated into urban distribution fleets.
The long-term viability of transport electrification in Mexico will depend on the expansion of fast charging infrastructure and the reduction in the acquisition costs of electric vehicles. The economic viability of electromobility is based on the total cost of ownership (TCO), where the higher initial cost of an electric vehicle must be offset by savings from using electricity instead of diesel.
Light vehicles such as vans and delivery units have been the first to be electrified in Mexico, especially in urban logistics and e-commerce, due to environmental regulations and lower operational costs. As for tractor-trailers and heavy freight, they are still in the testing phase due to the significant energy requirements they need and the investment in charging infrastructure necessary for their scalability.
