Kia Mexico announced a $649 million investment to strengthen its operations in Pesquería, Nuevo León, where it will produce the Kia EV3, the brand’s first electric vehicle assembled in Mexico and the first of this model manufactured outside of Korea.

The investment, which will be carried out between 2026 and 2028, is the most important made by the automaker in the country since the start of operations of its plant in 2016 and contemplates the generation of 500 new direct jobs this year and 1,500 by 2030.

During the Mexican government ‘s morning press conference, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that the project strengthens the country’s manufacturing capacity at a time of uncertainty for the global automotive industry.

“This is great news because it allows us to produce an electric vehicle in Mexico with a number of very advanced and highly competitive features,” he said.

The official explained that the EV3 will begin production on August 4th and that the vehicle will start with a national content of around 27%, a percentage that will increase as the integration of local suppliers strengthens.

He also emphasized that the investment responds to one of the central objectives of the Mexico Plan , focused on increasing the national content of manufacturing production and attracting high value-added projects.

“In a time of such uncertainty regarding the automotive industry, tariffs and new rules, this decision means that this company is seeing productivity and investment opportunities in Mexico and is making a decision that means technology, jobs and economic activity,” he stated.

In addition to allocating more than $260 million to the new EV3 production line , Kia will invest in sustainable infrastructure within its manufacturing complex, including expanding its solar power park and building a second water recycling plant.

Andy Kim, president and CEO of Kia Mexico, stated that the investments are part of the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and are aligned with the objectives of the Mexico Plan.

“During these eleven years, thanks to the firm conviction of Made in Mexico for Mexico, Kia Mexico has grown in tandem with the Mexican economy,” he said.

For her part, Marianela Calderón, Director of Administration and Employee Experience, explained that the investments are based on four pillars: talent development, renewable energy, responsible water management, and electric mobility.

He explained that the plant is currently building a two-megawatt solar park, with a planned expansion to eight megawatts by 2030 , in addition to a new treatment plant that will allow the reuse of around 70% of the treated water used in operations.

The executive also highlighted the importance of the company’s supply chain, which includes more than 85,000 people in direct and indirect jobs, as well as the recent recognition of the Pesquería plant as one of the highest quality in the automotive industry on the continent.

Mexico, platform for the new generation of electric vehicles

Horacio Chávez, managing director of Kia Motors Mexico, stated that the project represents a strategic step to position the country within the transformation towards electric mobility.

“For the first time in our history, we will produce and market a fully electric vehicle in Mexico. This commitment is realized with the Kia EV3, which will be proudly made in Mexico,” he stated.

In addition to vehicle production, the project includes the development of charging solutions for homes, public spaces, and mobile roadside assistance using vehicle-to-vehicle charging technology, with the aim of facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles in the Mexican market.

Currently, the Pesquería plant is Kia’s only facility in Mexico. Since its opening in 2016, it has received an initial investment of one billion dollars and has contributed to the creation of more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs.

With this new investment, the automaker incorporates Mexico into the global production of the EV3, a line that until now was manufactured exclusively in Korea, reinforcing the country’s position as a platform for the manufacture of new generation vehicles.

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Electromobility in Mexico has ceased to be an exclusive technology and has become an increasingly accessible alternative for businesses and consumers. The arrival of new brands, the reduction in the price of electric vehicles , and the pressure of sustainability goals are driving growth that already exceeds 30% annually, while in the business segment, the progress is even greater.

This was confirmed by Jorge Jiménez Sólomon , Senior Manager of Customer Relations for Electric Vehicles at Element Fleet Management , who highlighted that the Mexican market is going through a consolidation phase driven by economic, technological and environmental factors.

“Five years ago, electromobility was perceived as a premium topic, reserved for high-cost vehicles. Today, there are options starting at around 300,000 pesos, and that means the technology has been democratized,” he explained.

This increased supply, he said, is due to the opening of the Mexican market and the arrival of new manufacturers that have increased competition and brought the prices of electric vehicles closer to those of internal combustion engines in different segments.

Beyond the purchase price, Jiménez Sólomon stressed that the main argument for adopting electric vehicles is the total cost of ownership (TCO) .

Although the initial investment remains a factor in the analysis, the lower maintenance costs, the smaller number of mechanical components, and the price of electricity compared to gasoline make the economic equation favorable, especially in intensive operations.

“Not only has the cost of acquiring vehicles decreased, but operating an electric vehicle is also more economical throughout its useful life,” he commented.

On average, electricity costs between 60% and 70% less than fossil fuels. Furthermore, electric vehicles are estimated to reduce maintenance costs by between 30% and 75% thanks to their fewer components and less mechanical wear.

Fleets are leading the transition

While the consumer market is steadily advancing, the business sector is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, driven by environmental commitments set for 2030 and by operational benefits.

Jiménez Sólomon explained that last-mile companies represent one of the segments with the greatest potential because they travel between 100 and 150 kilometers daily and their units remain parked overnight in distribution centers, where they can be recharged without affecting operations.

“Electromobility is primarily an urban phenomenon. Last-mile delivery companies take full advantage of the range of these vehicles and achieve significant operational savings,” he said.

Another rapidly advancing sector is that of app-based transportation platforms, whose drivers make constant journeys within cities and maximize the economic benefits of electrification.

One of the main questions surrounding electromobility continues to be the charging infrastructure . However, the executive explained that most of the chargers installed in Mexico are not located in public spaces.

According to data from the sector association cited by the specialist, there are around 50,000 chargers in the country , of which only between four and five thousand are public; the rest are located in homes, offices and distribution centers.

This is in response to the way most fleets operate, whose vehicles remain stopped for several hours, allowing the use of level 2 chargers that complete the charging process in a period of six to eight hours.

The energy debate

Regarding the criticisms related to the Mexican energy matrix, Jiménez considered that the analysis must be done with context.

Around 35% of the electricity generated in Mexico comes from renewable sources , a higher proportion than in the United States; however, the country has room to increase its capacity through solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

In Mexico, driving an electric vehicle costs up to 70% less than driving a gasoline-powered one.

The specialist emphasized that the main environmental difference lies in the fact that an electric vehicle does not generate emissions during its operation.

“It is important to distinguish between the emissions associated with the manufacturing of the vehicle and those it produces while driving. An electric vehicle does not have a combustion process and, therefore, does not emit pollutants while in motion,” he stated.

Electrification is also transforming the concept of fleet management .

Jorge Jiménez explained that it is no longer enough to manage the vehicle, but now it is necessary to manage the entire ecosystem: charging infrastructure, financing, maintenance, telemetry, data analysis and associated services.

“Electromobility can only be successful if we manage both the vehicle and the ecosystem that surrounds it,” he stated.

In this context, technologies such as telemetry, data analysis, and artificial intelligence will allow for the optimization of fleet performance and improved decision-making.

Looking ahead to 2030, the executive dismissed the idea that Mexico is lagging behind in electromobility, although he considered it essential to accelerate the digitization of regulatory processes and establish clear rules that facilitate the arrival of new investments.

He also highlighted the country’s structural strengths, such as its integration with the United States and Canada, the capacity of its automotive industry, and the availability of specialized talent.

“Mexico has one of the highest numbers of engineers per capita among the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)  and a deeply integrated automotive industry. We have everything we need to remain leaders in this new phase of the sector,” he said.

In his opinion, in the coming years not only will the presence of electric vehicle manufacturers increase, but an ecosystem of Mexican companies dedicated to charging infrastructure, technological services, maintenance and training of specialized talent will also emerge, consolidating electromobility as one of the engines of transformation of the national automotive industry.

According to data from the Electro Mobility Association (EMA) , approximately 43,358 electric cars were sold in Mexico in 2025 alone, representing a 38.55% increase compared to 2024. This rise reflects a change in consumer behavior and the willingness of some companies to adopt these types of vehicles in their operations.

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Ten years after laying the first stone, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí has ​​consolidated itself as one of the German automaker’s strategic operations globally and as a relevant link within the automotive chain in Mexico.

The story began in 2016 with the announcement of an investment in Villa de Reyes, San Luis Potosí, which aimed to transform the country into a production platform for premium vehicles destined for international markets. A decade later, the operation has accumulated investments of nearly two billion dollars and is preparing to enter a new phase marked by electromobility .

“Ten years ago, we began building a plant; today we see the impact of having built a community of talent, innovation, and collaboration that has contributed to the growth of San Luis Potosí and the strengthening of the Mexican automotive industry. The most important part of this story is not only the vehicles we produce, but the people who have made this project possible and the opportunities we have created together,” highlighted Klaus von Moltke, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí.

Since the start of operations in 2019, the plant has produced more than 550,000 vehicles for export, integrating into the BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and strengthening Mexico’s position within the global automotive industry.

Among the manufactured models, the BMW 3 Series stands out, as well as the M2 and the 2 Series Coupé, the latter two manufactured exclusively in Mexico and exported to customers all over the world, in addition to the BMW M2 Racing and the BMW M2 CS, limited production versions.

Currently, approximately 3,700 employees are part of the daily operation of the plant, and it has also generated around 32,000 jobs indirectly, through suppliers, specialized services, logistics, construction, commerce and other activities linked to the value chain.

The brand works with a network of suppliers that has more than 310 production sites in Mexico , which strengthens national supply chains under the principle of local production.

As part of its global electromobility strategy, the BMW Group announced in 2023 an €800 million investment in the production of electric vehicles and high-voltage batteries in Mexico . This investment is part of a long-term commitment that increases the automaker’s cumulative investment in the country and represents a 110,000-square-meter expansion of the plant’s operations.

“The next stage for BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí will be marked by the expansion of its capabilities for integrating electric vehicles into our production line. This technological and organizational adaptation will allow us to further strengthen our team and optimize our processes in the face of an increasingly volatile environment. We are preparing the plant for the future, strengthening it and making it even more competitive in a constantly changing global environment,” emphasized Klaus von Moltke.

Starting in 2027, the plant will produce two models from the Neue Klasse platform, the BMW iX3 and the BMW i3, consolidating Mexico’s strategic role in the future of global mobility.

The plant’s evolution has been accompanied by a talent development strategy . More than 1,200 young people have participated in professional internship programs, and more than 570 apprentices have completed the Dual Vocational Training Program, inspired by the German model of technical training, with a 95 percent hiring rate.

“BMW Group’s vision has been to prepare new generations for an increasingly technological, digital, and electromobility-oriented industry. As a result, more than 110 Mexican employees have participated in international projects within BMW Group’s global network in countries such as Germany, Hungary, China, the United States, and South Africa,” the company emphasized.

Furthermore, during the last decade, BMW Group has promoted, among other actions, initiatives focused on education, community development, sports and culture , contributing to the well-being of more than 220,000 people in San Luis Potosí.

According to data from the municipality of Villa de Reyes, exports increased by 1,600% since BMW’s arrival. By November 2025, the municipality accounted for 42% of total exports and generated 30% of the state’s gross domestic product.

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JIUTEPEC, MOR.- The discussion about  sustainable mobility  also involves thoroughly understanding the  technology  that makes it possible. From the type of batteries to how vehicles operate, the challenge lies not only in adopting new solutions, but in using them efficiently.

Within the framework of the 4th Meeting on Technology and Sustainable Mobility, organized by the  National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) , Manuel Fernández, Product Engineer of  Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico , explained that the development of technologies such as lithium-ion batteries is not recent, but the result of decades of evolution.

“It’s not something so new… it started thanks to the oil problem in the 70s,” he noted.

The specialist pointed out that lithium has become the dominant material in batteries due to its physical and chemical properties, which allow large amounts of energy to be stored in less weight.

“It’s the lightest… it allows us to have a large amount of voltage in a very small volume,” he said.

These characteristics have been key to their adoption in  electric vehicles , including cargo vehicles, where weight and energy efficiency are critical factors.

Electric last mile: power and range

As part of its presentation, the brand exemplified its proposal for urban distribution based on its Delivery  line and its evolution towards electric versions for the last mile, with which it seeks to compete in performance with traditional units.

According to the executive, the unit offers a power of 300 kW —more than 400 horsepower—, a torque of 2,150 Nm, a load capacity of 5.8 tons and a range of up to 200 kilometers.

This type of solution is already part of the  brand’s global portfolio , although its deployment in Mexico is still limited and not yet widespread in the market. However, he cautioned that real-world performance depends largely on driving style: “Power delivery isn’t the same… with our driving habits, we end up depleting the batteries faster,” he explained.

One of the recurring issues surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles is the fate of the batteries once they lose capacity . In this regard, Fernández specified that lithium-ion batteries have an average lifespan of three thousand charge cycles. However, their use doesn’t end there.

“I don’t necessarily have to throw it away… we can use it as an additional battery bank,” he explained.

Regarding recycling, the engineer highlighted the  hydrometallurgy  process as one of the most efficient alternatives for recovering materials.

“If we want to talk about lithium recovery… it’s above 95%,” he noted.

This process allows  the reuse of materials such as lithium ,  nickel, and cobalt  for the manufacture of new batteries, although it involves technical and environmental challenges, such as the treatment of the water used.

Hydrogen: potential without infrastructure

In addition to electrification, Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico is also exploring alternatives such as hydrogen, a technology that is already being tested in Europe with vehicles that maintain characteristics similar to diesel vehicles.

These units can achieve ranges of up to 600 kilometers, but their arrival in Mexico faces a key obstacle: fuel availability .

“We don’t have any firm plans to bring it to Mexico; fuel isn’t easily accessible,” he acknowledged.

Beyond technology, the executive stressed that the main challenge remains the availability of energy, both electricity and alternative fuels.

“If I don’t have the option to plug it in to charge it, it’s a big problem,” he warned.

In this regard, he considered it necessary to advance in the development of energy infrastructure so that technological solutions can scale in the market.

Finally, the specialist acknowledged that the secondary market for electric vehicles still faces challenges, mainly due to the current limited adoption.

“Today we need to expand the market to increase demand,” he concluded.

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Over the past five years, Latin America has made progress in sustainable mobility, with Chile being the country with the most actions in this area; however, some issues remain, such as the regulatory framework and carrying out profitable projects and infrastructure , according to industry specialists.

Lala Céspedes, CEO & Co-founder of Singular City , said that while the model of fleet electrification , the use of clean energy, and other issues that contribute to sustainable mobility are evolving within the region, in Argentina, for example, despite the openness of the market, financing, and public policies, a regulatory framework that provides solidity to the projects is still required .

“To be competitive regionally, we need to plan for that next step, to plan for that solidity for companies that are going to invest and become a benchmark, to have an initial capital expenditure within a model structure. We are in a growth process, that’s from Argentina, but we do see that regionally it is increasingly necessary to define a regulatory framework with stakeholders from the entire value chain,” he explained in the webinar LATAM: Roadmap 2026 for Mobility and Energy .

He also pointed out the need to identify profitable projects, plan them and implement them, because in Latin America there are several pilot tests, “but they are not clearly aligned as a region, as micro-regions.”

He indicated that Chile is leading the way in public policy , with a long-term perspective, to implement systems, while Colombia has strengthened the contractual system, Brazil has made progress with electric or hybrid vehicles, but a more macro “view” like that of Europe is required and “not to be like little lights, each one exploring and being regional laboratories.”

Meanwhile, Alex Ascón, senior consultant at Urban Wave , mentioned that the technology used in these types of units is already validated, and that vehicle prices are now more accessible than they were five years ago due to the significant presence of Chinese brands in Latin America.

“We see that the biggest gap that would accelerate progress in Peru is the charging infrastructure , which continues to be one of the areas where investment is said to be very high compared to other technologies. The vehicle itself is no longer the main obstacle; Chinese brands are the ones that have managed to moderate prices,” he stated.

He stressed that having an infrastructure plan like Chile’s would help to boost this sector in the rest of the countries in the region.

For her part, Pamela Peña, BD Manager Smart Mobility at Hiberus, stated that what is “moving the needle” this year is the direct subsidy , but also legal certainty and standardization in the region.

He said that countries like Chile have worked on interoperability, allowing any user to use the charging infrastructure across the network, becoming a facilitator and “eliminating the fear of autonomy”; in addition, there is significant private investment.

“We have a large fleet, certainly not comparable to Brazil’s, which is immense, or Mexico’s, but it’s not a small fleet, and we also have a fairly limited fleet turnover; companies don’t usually keep their fleets for more than two to four years at most, and that gives a different perspective to all the variables we have to consider. This democratization of sustainable mobility allows SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to also renew their fleets, which is a vital point for logistics. Another interesting point is the financing options available for buses, especially in cities like Bogotá and Mexico City,” he stated.

In that sense, he anticipated that by 2026 the market for light electric vehicles in Chile and the region is expected to reach a historic milestone of penetration due to regulations that the countries have in common .

Meanwhile, Israel Galván, senior business developer at Autocab , explained that in Mexico there are tax benefits, such as exemption from tax payments, verifications, and the adoption of the natural gas conversion option.

“In some ways we are making progress, and being a country with a lot of technology, we are learning from the Chilean and Brazilian models. The government has also been promoting the electrification of vehicles. We are moving forward,” he emphasized.

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VEMO will invest 825 million pesos (mdp) in Monterrey during 2026, which will be allocated to financing initiatives for drivers of mobility platforms , expansion of its charging network, a workshop specialized in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (BESS) .

“Monterrey is a strategic location for scaling up electric mobility. We are expanding access to electric vehicles with a broader portfolio, so that more drivers can join with financing options that fit their needs,” said Aarón Sáenz, director of VEMO Impulso.

Through VEMO Impulso, the company’s fintech arm , drivers of mobility platforms will be able to access a lease-to-own solution, with the aim of promoting financial inclusion, expanding access to electric vehicles and enabling better conditions for building wealth.

Under this scenario and as part of the 2026 expansion plan in Monterrey, this segment projects a deployment of at least one thousand vehicles to serve light and premium segments.

In parallel, VEMO reaffirms its commitment to the city with a strategic investment to expand its public fast charging infrastructure.

It is currently developing four charging stations that will add up to 60 fast chargers (equivalent to 7.2 megawatts) and will allow for 120 simultaneous charging sessions, with operations expected to begin this year. Additionally, the company plans to develop another 270 charging points, with operations estimated to begin between 2026 and early 2027.

“Monterrey is a major strategic bet for us, being a pioneering city in electromobility in particular and innovation in general in Latin America, where having a robust and reliable public charging network is an enabler to continue accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Carlos Levy, director of VEMO Charging Network.

Regarding the specialized electric vehicle workshop, VEMO indicated that it will be certified by multiple manufacturers, with a surface area of ​​1,800 square meters (m²) and an operational maintenance capacity of up to 1,500 vehicles per month. Furthermore, the strategy incorporates  integrated BESS systems at the charging stations to support their operation, thus promoting energy efficiency and operational resilience.

He specified that as part of his long-term vision, he plans to deploy approximately 23,000 connectors in his public and private network, and around 55,000 electric vehicles by 2030.

VEMO has raised over $500 million (USD) – $350 million in equity and $150 million in debt. Additionally, it plans to invest over $1.5 billion over the next five years to boost the clean mobility ecosystem in Mexico and Latin America.

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CANCUN, Q. ROO.- Miguel Robles Pérez , director of the Institute of Renewable Energies (IER) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) , presented the Mexico energy and storage transition outlook , an analysis that reveals the urgency of accelerating the energy transition in Mexico in the face of the irreversible effects of climate change.

During his speech at Huawei ‘s Latin America C&I Greenovation Summit 2025 , he stressed that science, technology, and collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be key to building a more resilient, intelligent energy system prepared for electrification, storage, and the incorporation of new technologies such as smart grids, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen.

The specialist stressed that climate change is already showing irreversible effects and that the energy transition has ceased to be an option and has become a condition for mitigation and survival .

Robles recalled that the scientific evidence is conclusive: carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have grown rapidly in the last 50 to 100 years and their consequences are already being seen in extreme weather events, disappearances and human losses.

“We may or may not believe in climate change, but reality forces us to act,” he stated.

The academic presented an analysis from IER-UNAM showing that, although 166 countries have adopted measures towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , no region of the world will be able to meet them by 2030 if current trends continue.

“This should lead us to reflect on the urgency of accelerating the transition processes,” he said.

Robles explained that Mexico is experiencing two parallel energy dynamics: large power plants (thermal, hydroelectric, solar, wind, nuclear) that feed the national grid and distributed generation , which is growing steadily and functions as a support to the system.

In his presentation, he showed data that demonstrates an accelerated growth of small generators, even without a policy that actively promotes it.

“Regardless of what we want, the phenomenon occurs. And that is positive because it strengthens the system,” he noted.

Although they do not yet represent a risk of destabilization, Robles warned that there are at least 100 nodes where problems could arise if action is not taken in advance.

One of the disruptive elements transforming the sector is batteries , both stationary and mobile. Robles emphasized that their advancement completely changes the dynamics of the electrical system, enabling storage, flexibility, and greater resilience.

Electric vehicles reflect this trend, as their registration in Mexico is growing even faster than distributed generation, and their presence is widely diversified across the country. “They are true game changers , ” the researcher stated.

The energy landscape of the future already includes new technological layers ranging from telecommunications and data to artificial intelligence. Robles emphasized that these elements must be integrated into both large power plants and distributed generation.

Furthermore, he highlighted the emerging role of green hydrogen , especially in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation, long-haul transport, and high-consumption industrial applications.

He also stressed that Mexico cannot be left out of the global energy transformation . Science, he said, offers clear data; now the challenge lies in transforming that knowledge into action.

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Pedro Giraldo, Latam Business Development Manager for Geotab , said that companies will look for ways to mitigate the high investment required for this type of technology, through the fleet-as-a-service model, new tools that allow for smart charging, and the decentralization of the last mile.

“In Latin America, we have high interest rates and economic uncertainty, and I believe this model will become dominant because people will want to pay per kilometer traveled, with monthly installments that include maintenance. This trend will gain momentum, and we are already seeing it in the public transportation sector. We will also see the decentralization of last-mile delivery. The rise of e-commerce and the saturation of urban centers demand that logistics be more flexible and diverse, incorporating not only vans but also light vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, and tricycles. We are beginning to see this in large Latin American cities, and it will continue to strengthen,” he stated.

During the webinar “Why is 2026 the year of sustainable mobility?” , organized by Latam Mobility, Giraldo also predicted that next year will be one of consolidation, technological maturity and a boost to regulation , although there are issues to follow, such as costs and long-term regulatory certainty and charging infrastructure.

Patricia Baires, Business Development Manager Latam at synergEV , mentioned that a greater number of electric vehicles are expected to be circulating in Latin America, which means that projects focused on this sector will have a faster return on investment, as well as more companies involved in the ecosystem.

“2026 will be a year of reaping what we have sown in recent years and seeing greater growth in the vehicle fleet. While it is true that we are in an early stage of regulations for each country, if we look back two or three years, we definitely have the maturity to continue advancing in the development of this technology. Furthermore, we are beginning to see which Asian brands are self-regulating and, depending on the country they enter, using certain types of connectors. This will allow us to organize or anticipate, so that when regulations arrive, we can move forward in that order,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Thiago Vieira, Latam Public Relations Manager of C40 Cities , indicated that 2026 represents an opportunity after this year demonstrated the feasibility of adopting electric vehicles and creating mechanisms for companies to invest.

“There is a greater opportunity for greater integration between governments; many representatives are seeking us out to link actions and generate connections at the national level, especially in energy, expansion, and regulation. I see progress with some ministries in Brazil and Mexico, and other companies like CFE, but synergy is key to achieving good results in 2026,” he stated.

He also anticipated that the company will be focused on creating logistics corridors, for which they are already in talks with some governments, and that they will promote free charging parking in the region, among other projects.

Diego González, commercial director of City Energy Mexico , considered that the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the country, as well as in Canada and the United States, is a key event for electric mobility , mainly in the migration of taxis to electric vehicles.

He also stressed that there will be a need for larger and faster chargers, and a migration to the wholesale electricity market, storage systems, among other things.

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The electrification of transportation is progressing in Mexico, but still unevenly. While electric vehicles have become a symbol of modernity and sustainability, behind them lies a more complex reality, especially when it comes to maintaining a stable cold chain while in motion .

“Everyone talks about electric vehicles, but few ask where they will be plugged in,” warned José Carlos Gómez , Sales Director for Latin America at Thermo King , a company specializing in temperature-controlled equipment.

In an interview with T21, the executive said that infrastructure remains the biggest challenge , since you can have the electric truck, but if there are no charging points or sufficient electrical capacity in the area, the business model is not sustainable.

On the other hand, in Mexican transport, talking about temperature control is usually associated with food or pharmaceutical products, but this segment has grown and also includes cosmetics, automotive components, chemicals and even live animals.

Each load requires a specific temperature range, which implies more sophisticated handling than with dry cargo.

“A delay of a couple of hours at the border can spoil tons of avocados or fish,” Gómez explained.

In this context, the lack of infrastructure not only increases logistics costs but also compromises product safety and traceability . And as demand for perishable goods grows—driven by e-commerce, the pharmaceutical industry, and urban consumption—gaps in the cold chain become more apparent.

In that sense, the commitment to electric fleets in the cold chain introduces a new type of planning: energy planning.

“An electric refrigerated truck requires more planning than a diesel one. You have to know how many units to load, how long the route will take, and where you can recharge if necessary,” Gómez commented.

In Mexico, approximately 400 fully electric, temperature-controlled transport vehicles are already in operation, primarily on urban last-mile routes. Their range is between 180 and 400 kilometers, sufficient for local operations but insufficient for long-distance or interstate journeys.

“To travel from Mexico City to San Luis Potosí, for example, a vehicle would have to stop to recharge in Querétaro. This requires a reliable electrical grid, charging stations, and, above all, logistical coordination,” he explained.

The lack of such a network makes electrification more of a planning exercise than a technological adoption. The analogy, Gómez said, is simple: “It’s like charging your cell phone before a long trip. You know you can’t count on finding an outlet along the way.”

A silent technological leap

Although electrification is the focus of attention, the technological evolution of refrigerated transport has gone further. In the last decade, the industry has incorporated remote tracking and monitoring systems that allow for the control of temperature, location, and even door openings from a mobile device.

“Today I can know the temperature of a trailer crossing the border or if someone opened the door at an unauthorized point. The cold chain is a digital ecosystem. Everything is connected,” Gómez commented.

Digitalization seeks not only efficiency, but also food and environmental security . In large cities, regulations already include limits on noise and emissions.

“Pollution isn’t just from carbon dioxide (CO₂), it’s also from noise. Delivering products in urban areas without generating noise is part of our environmental commitment,” he added.

Beyond technological innovations, the transition to temperature-controlled electric transport faces a paradox: it depends on an electrical system that is not ready to support it.

The growth of electromobility requires public and private investment in energy infrastructure , as well as clear regulatory frameworks and tax incentives. Otherwise, electrification could remain a short-term solution, confined to urban fleets.

“The technology is already here, but if there’s nowhere to plug it in, there’s no possible revolution,” the executive summarized.

Meanwhile, the cold chain continues to evolve, seeking a balance between sustainability and daily operations, between innovation and the country’s physical realities. This tension will define the future of Mexican logistics and transportation.

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The purpose of “improving people’s lives” guides Grupo Coppel ’s sustainability strategy , as highlighted by Christian Morfín Ortiz , National Sustainability Manager, during the presentation of the 2024 Sustainability Report , where he explained that sustainability at Coppel is based on three pillars: people, shared value and environmental care , driven by a solid governance structure.

“We strive to do well for ourselves, but also for all our partners: suppliers, collaborators, clients, government, and civil society. Sustainability, for us, means doing things better and responsibly,” Morfín emphasized.

On the environmental front, Coppel continues to invest in technology to reduce its footprint. By the end of 2024, 710 buildings—40% of its stores and distribution centers—will have solar panels , which will already generate 16% of the group’s energy consumption. The goal is to achieve 29% clean energy consumption by 2030.

The group has also invested in electric mobility , with 530 electric or hybrid units (11% of its secondary fleet) and the goal of reaching two thousand vehicles by 2030 .

Furthermore, the use of rail in freight transport has prevented the emission of 9,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) , equivalent to preserving 150,000 trees.

In terms of waste, Coppel recycled 80% of its waste (21,000 tons) in 2024 and reduced its water consumption by 18.7% since 2018 , despite the growth of its store network.

From the financial front, Carolina Garayzar , ASG Director of Financial Services, highlighted the importance of democratizing access to credit and financial education .

In 2024, BanCoppel provided 700,000 people with their first access to the formal financial system , and the group aims to include three million more over the next five years . Throughout its history, the company has provided credit to 68 million people , driving their economic inclusion.

In this regard, the executives shared that a large portion of the loans granted are directed to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) .

On the other hand, the group closed 2024 with 143,056 employees , and 40.1% of them women in leadership positions , compared to 34% in 2020.

In addition, 15,000 employees and their families received educational scholarships , and more than 1,000 graduated from high school, bachelor’s, or master’s programs through Coppel Corporate University .

In total, the company invested 2.5 million hours in training , equivalent to more than 20 hours per person.

Inclusion and accessibility initiatives were also strengthened , with adapted restrooms in 30 stores and a plan to expand these facilities to more than 290 stores by 2025. Additionally, some ATMs now operate in the Mayan language , reflecting Coppel’s commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity.

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El cargo Coppel promotes a sustainability model focused on people and positive impact. apareció primero en T21.