VROOM VROOM: A NEW ERA OF DELIVERY TRANSPORTATION

Electric vehicles are revolutionizing logistics. Countries such as Paris, Amsterdam and Brazil are showing great benefits in their logistics chains by implementing fleets of electric minivans in their last mile deliveries.

Mexico did not let this pass, the public and private sectors are working hand-in-hand to create the first Mexican electric minicar assembly plant to support local supply chains.

These vehicles were created with the need to operate in dense urban environments, creating a reduction in operating costs and contributing to the goal of net zero. They run on rechargeable batteries that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In terms of costs, they are intended to be accessible to achieve a total update of the vehicle fleet in companies mainly in the parcel and courier services, food and warehousing sectors. Their operating cost is impressively reduced, since while a combustion vehicle (gasoline) can spend $1 USD and cover 1 km, these mini electric vehicles spend 0.10 USD to cover 1 km.

Ecological advances and regulations to combat climate change are forcing automakers to create friendlier solutions for land transportation, especially for last-mile delivery.

The increase in e-commerce demands an unimaginable fleet every day to get packages to end users. As we know, the implementation of heavy electric vehicles or cargo vehicles is more complex in the country due to the lack of infrastructure. However, electric minivans seek to adapt to modern logistics mainly in urban environments. This segment is expected to represent 25% of the automotive market by 2030.

It is important to mention that, although technological advances have made the implementation of these electric vehicles easier, this transition brings challenges.

Mainly we find the economic barriers, followed by the current lack of charging infrastructure. Another barrier of introduction is the autonomy of these vehicles, as it is usually less than that of combustion vehicles.

And finally, although they require less maintenance than combustion vehicles, finding specific spare parts or specialized workshops for this type of vehicle can be more complicated in some areas of the country.

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Introducing Olina, the first Mexican electric minicar assembly plant in Mexico

The current federal government, together with private sector investors, is working on the opening of Olina, the first Mexican electric minicar assembly plant in Mexico.

It is intended that most of its parts will be manufactured and assembled in Mexico. That is why the government granted a budget of 25 million pesos this 2025 for the development of the technology of these cars.

Three models are expected to be launched by the end of the current administration: a two-door minicar, a four-door minicar and a minivan designed for last mile delivery.

Its main objective is to be low cost and to be able to be charged in any conventional plug. The location of its first assembly plant has not yet been defined, but Sonora or Puebla are options, with the hope of having multiple assembly plants in different states of the country.

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With naked eye it may seem that the transition from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles will never come, however, the public and private sectors invest long hours every day to make this step a reality. Technology is revolutionizing and logistics is taking it by the hand. We keep reading!

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