Building the transportation of the future involves recognizing the complexity of the present. It’s not enough to electrify engines; it’s about transforming entire systems and offering solutions for Mexico’s current situation. Specialists discussed this and more during the Decarbonization of Passenger and Cargo Transportation in Mexico Forum organized by the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers (ANPACT).
In this regard, it was suggested that electric mobility cannot be limited to technology, but must be accompanied by sustainable business models , complete ecosystems, and regional assessments.
The transformation must begin at the root, with demand studies, technical training, and a long-term vision, suggested Raúl González, Director of Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales at Mercedes-Benz Buses.
At DINA , the approach was clear: the solution must adapt to the environment . The brand proudly presented the first 100% Mexican electric bus , manufactured with 70% domestic content. Its development, they said, was possible thanks to collaboration with universities and the support of the Ministry of Economy .
“The best technology is the one that meets the project’s requirements,” said José Raúl Martínez Islas, DINA’s Sales and After-Sales Director.
Foton got straight to the point. Beyond presenting its portfolio, they focused on what many want to know: does electromobility work? With data in hand, Roberto Talavera, Commercial and After-Sales Director of Electric Vehicles and New Energies, detailed the results of electric units in real-life operation.
As an example, he explained that an electric mixer operated by Holcim has traveled more than 100,000 kilometers, saving up to two million pesos in fuel and maintenance costs. It also avoided the emission of 253 tons of CO2 .
He also shared the experience of Sigma , which with nine electric units has traveled more than 430 thousand kilometers and reduced more than 237 tons of emissions .
International expanded its vision! They explained that investing in electrification makes no sense if the rest of the operation doesn’t support sustainable practices. In his presentation, Marcel Luiz do Prado, Business Support Director, explained that the company complies with Euro 6 regulations and already delivers solutions with fuel savings of up to 8%.
“To consider electric fleets, you first need to have a clean operation,” shared Marcel Luiz do Prado. He emphasized that electrification requires a plan, training, and an understanding of the total cost of ownership.
Volvo focused its message on public health . Between 30 and 40% of respiratory illnesses in cities are linked to vehicle emissions, and that’s a compelling reason to move forward with electromobility, according to Donovan Nieto, Product Planning and Market Intelligence Manager.
He stated that a single articulated bus can move up to 300 people with zero emissions and zero noise. Furthermore, the latest models already integrate predictive safety systems and sensors to prevent accidents. “What we’re aiming for is urban harmony: zero emissions, zero accidents, zero traffic,” Nieto explained.
To close the session, ANPACT outlined the day’s conclusions. Decarbonizing transportation is not a challenge that can be taken on by a single actor, but rather a collective one that requires inter-institutional coordination, adequate incentives, and fleet renewal. The average age of heavy vehicles in Mexico is over 19 years, and moving toward cleaner technologies, such as Euro 6 engines, electrification, or even hydrogen, requires will and resources, as explained by Rogelio Arzate, Executive President of ANPACT.
“The best technology for decarbonization isn’t just one, it’s the coexistence of all technologies,” Arzate said.
Comment and follow us on X: @karinaquintero / @GrupoT21
