Mexico's Electromobility Transition Needs an Efficient Network

Mexico faces the crucial task of establishing a transmission and distribution network to support the growing demand for electromobility over the next six years. One of the fundamental challenges involves the incompatibility of connectors in charging stations and vehicles. These measures are necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals, says Francisco Cabeza, President, Mexican Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (AMIVE).

In an interview with the Mexican Association of Transportation and Mobility (AMTM), Cabeza Santillana highlighted that while Mexico has the electrical capacity, its transmission and distribution infrastructure is unprepared to meet the emerging demand. He adds that it is necessary to reach regional agreements to standardize the type of connector, as there are five variants: one used in China, one in the European Union, one in the Americas, one in Japan, and another one used by Tesla.

Cabeza advocates for the adoption of the one used in the Americas, also known as the SAE format, considering it the most suitable due to its shared electrical characteristics from Alaska to Colombia. This format would simplify charging, as it is compatible with 110V to 127V at 60Hz, facilitating connection to 220V with two-phase paths.

Unifying connectors would solve compatibility issues and open the door to economic opportunities. Cabeza highlights that a single connector would allow yards used to charge buses at night to provide daytime services to taxis, possibly turning electric vehicle charging into a secondary business for transporters.

Cabeza also recommends alternative options for longer journeys, such as the use of hydrogen, hybrid, or internal combustion engine vehicles. For shorter distances, such as in public transportation and freight, he advocates for electric vehicles with a typical range of 300km.

He adds that despite the pollution caused during the production of electric vehicles and batteries, electric vehicles, using the energy mix of the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), emit 100g less of CO2 per kilometer. Cabeza adds that batteries could be reused for eight to 10 years to store energy in solar or wind fields. After this period, according to construction companies, 98% of battery components could be recycled.