Hidalgo Announces Production of Electric Vehicles

During the fifteenth anniversary of the Giant Motors Latin America (GML) factory in Sahagun City, the company announced the launch of the JAC Mexico Pure Electric 2022, a new line-up of electric vehicles (EV) by Chinese auto manufacturer JAC. The new line is part of GML’s efforts to meet sustainability commitments.

JAC’s EVs in the Mexican market include the E10X model with an Ion Lithium battery of 30.2 kWh and range of 360 km worth MX$425,000 (US$20,254) and the ESEI4 model with an Ian Lithium battery of 55 kWh and range of 500 km worth MX$769,000 (US$36,647). The E10X presents Mexican drivers not only with a new EV model but one that is relatively affordable and could make great strides in the adoption of electrification in new vehicle purchases. Shoppers can join a waiting list for the model through JAC’s website.

“This joint effort has democratized the use of electric cars in Mexico and, as such, allowed Hidalgo and Mexico to become a reference for sustainable mobility in America and the world,” said Hidalgo Governor Omar Fayad Meneses during the launch. He was joined by Elías Massri, CEO, GML, Isidoro Massi, General Director, JAC Mexico, and Martín Gutiérrez, Plant Director, GCL.

The Hidalgo governor explained the launch is part of Hidalgo’s commitments after the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which include: a seven-year 100 percent reduction of deforestation in the state, becoming the primary producer of electric vehicles in Latin America, a completely sustainable public transport system in the next 10 years, a 20-year compensation to environmental liabilities in Tula and recuperation of the state’s aquifers. During the summit, Mexico committed itself to accelerate its transition towards 100 percent emission-neutral new vehicle sales by 2040.

The partnership by the state and GML is one of the ways Hidalgo plans to meet their Green Agenda, forming a part of the larger industry and country’s efforts for electrification and carbon-neutral emissions. Governor Fayad said President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has Hidalgo as an ally in the political defense behind sustainability efforts and even invited López Obrador to make the JAC J7 Pure Electric model his official car.

Elías Massri stated that Mexico is ready to make the transition towards a nation-wide sustainable mobility by adopting EVs instead of other common models. “The only obstacle is educational, getting to know the technology… now that the service is completely the same. The parts are common, they have the same services, insurance is cheaper because the vehicles are less flammable,” Massri said in an interview with Milenio.

The Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) reported 120.8 percent annual increase in electric and hybrid vehicle sales last August. Although the microchip demand affected auto manufacturers across all sectors, the demand for electric and hybrid models is expected to continue increasing alongside efforts to manufacture more sustainable vehicles.