The UC Davis Electric Vehicle Research Center has been exploring a variety of topics focused on electrification of the transport sector in Mexico with support from Alianza MX. Alianza MX, is the UC-branch that supports engagement and collaboration between Mexico and members of the UC community. The EV Research Center has been in partnership with Alianza and worked on projects that aim to inform bi-national policy efforts for Mexico’s transition to sustainable transportation. Additionally, the EV Research Center is an active participant in Alianzas’ Bi-Naitonal Working Group focused on Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). This task force is composed of government officials, regulatory entities, vehicle manufacturers, and academic institutions from both sides of the border. The goal of this group is to develop and manage an industry transition to ZEVs while ensuring prosperity, competitiveness, and inclusion.
Several initial projects are completed, but we plan for further research on electrification, as these topics have grown as a focal point for Mexico, after the historic 2024 election of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first woman president. The new administration will be challenged in setting Mexico’s growing economy on a path towards emission reduction while ensuring that the country maintains its competitive edge as a vehicle exporter and major oil producing country.
Global electric vehicle adoption targets for the LDV industry in Mexico
The Mexican auto industry is the fifth largest light duty vehicle exporter in the world and the single largest foreign supplier to the US. For Mexico’s export-oriented automakers, the global uptake of electric vehicles presents a unique opportunity and risk. This study assesses distinct EV demand scenarios combined with global trade trends on the impacts of the light-duty vehicle industry in Mexico.
Link to published papers: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1pt8q0zc
US-Mexico second-hand EV trade
This study aims to understand the future flows of second-hand light-duty EVs entering Mexico. This research uses system dynamics modeling to project future EV adoption. Additionally, the research sheds light on the implications for critical material circularity and policy recommendations.
Published Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920923003310
Tools for maximizing the potential for Electric Transit Buses in Mexico
The electrification of public transport in urban areas is a key element of Mexico’s national strategy for electric mobility. This research focused on developing a tool to accelerate the adoption of battery electric buses for specific routes in a network. The tool utilizes distinct metrics to identify the most suitable routes in a given network for the deployment of a battery electric bus. When utilized in conjunction with reliable service and trip data, the tool can project fuel and cost savings for a given route that is serviced by a battery electric bus.
Link to published papers: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5nv441q2
Work in Progress: Optimization tool