Companies from various sectors are investing in electric vehicles (EVs), driven by benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, lower operational costs, and support from favourable government policies.
Below, we explore some of the key players who are leading the way in this transition towards greener and more efficient transport in the region.
5 Companies Choosing EVs
Grupo Bimbo
Grupo Bimbo, a renowned multinational dedicated to baking, began its transition to zero-emission mobility in 2013 and is now one of the leading companies in this field.
The company has a strong presence in Central America, in countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, where it operates a fleet of 54 electric trucks.
Vakstar, Maxus, Scania, JAC, and BYD are some of the automakers that Grupo Bimbo has chosen to support the electrification of its fleets.
DHL
According to DHL’s official website, while there has been steady growth, Central America is still far from being a leader in this sector. However, the region is preparing for a shift towards electric alternatives.
As a result, the logistics company has taken the initiative and started electrifying its transport units in certain countries in the region, such as Panama, where last year it invested $2.5 million in a new fleet of EVs and their charging infrastructure.
Some of the models chosen as part of this investment included six SOCO motorcycles, 16 Maxus EV30 vans, and two BYD electric trucks.
Another country where DHL has invested in eMobility is Costa Rica, where it has set a goal for 50% of its fleet to be electric by 2025.
In line with this goal, the first initiative was the addition of eight EVs, representing 20% of its fleet.
Coca-Cola FEMSA
With a strong focus on Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, the soft drinks production company is another multinational that has invested in fleet electrification in Central America. Coca-Cola FEMSA Costa Rica recently acquired its first two 100% electric trucks, with a range of 110 kilometres, assigned to the Calle Blancos distribution centre.
It is worth mentioning that these trucks will primarily operate in San José.
This addition complements the 23 EVs and the truck already in operation in the country.
These units will lead to an annual reduction of 130 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
In Panama, the company is recognised by the National Energy Secretariat as a leader in Electric Mobility, thanks to its acquisition of 21 light vehicles (14 vans and 7 cars) and 3 primary and secondary load trucks.
This will result in a reduction of 46.72 tonnes of CO2e per year, representing an 89% reduction in total diesel fuel consumption.
In Guatemala, the company invested in 33 units of the e-Delivery, the first 100% electric truck developed and produced by Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus.
Nestlé
The company has set ambitious goals: to reduce emissions by 20% by 2025, 30% by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across its entire value chain.
Specifically, in Guatemala, it already has two hybrid trucks for sales and delivery in the retail channel, and two vans equipped with a lithium battery that provides a range of over 250 km and the capacity to transport up to one tonne of product, also contributing significantly to logistics efficiency.
Ingenio Cutris
This sugar company in Costa Rica already operates six heavy electric trucks from the Chinese brand Dayun.
