Reforms: the 9 points on electromobility that the climate change law in Mexico would include

When discussing Latin American decarbonization, Mexico holds a favourable position in the regional ranking.

However, there is still work to be done, especially concerning issues such as reforming the General Climate Change Law. But, the key question is: where to start?

In this context, Deputy Esther Martínez Romano, Secretary of the Commission on Environment and Natural Resources, proposes initially addressing nine initiatives to promote electric mobility in the country.

These include creating fiscal and economic incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), standards that promote their adoption, charging infrastructure, and public awareness programs.

Also, promoting research and development of electric mobility technologies, public-private collaboration, electrification of public transport, stricter emission regulations for internal combustion engine vehicles, and support for local production of EVs and their components.

These are fundamental projects to implement in the country because the Climate Change Law is over ten years old and needs to adapt to new challenges, such as the Paris Agreement, which sets ambitious goals for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

While all points are important, some require greater priority, at least as observed in the forum “Electric Mobility and Climate Change: A Legislative Perspective,” organized by Martínez Romano.

No incentives, no paradise: the key to accelerating electromobility

Here, Alejandro Villegas López, Coordinator of Policy Engagement at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), suggests a series of incentives for taxis, public transport, and last-mile delivery in Mexico.

Among them:

• Implement scrappage bonuses to incentivize the replacement of internal combustion vehicles with electric ones.
• Improve accessibility to information on financing for EVs.
• Regulate existing incentives for the acquisition of EVs.
• Allow private investment in the development of charging stations using renewable energy sources.

At the same time, another aspect raised by the official is “implementing an incentive program for investment in battery production and regulating the second use and final disposal of lithium batteries through an Official Mexican Standard.”

In this regard, Santiago Alanis, General Manager of Integrated Mobility at Mobility ADO, also spoke, identifying the issue of batteries as “concerning”, not so much due to cost but because of their environmental impact.

Goals and regulations for a 100% electric future

In addition to incentives, the forum also addressed the need to establish binding targets for the sale of electric vehicles over different periods (2030, 2040, 2050), aligned with emission reduction objectives.

These objectives, together with the update of Official Mexican Standards (NOMs) related to emissions and fuels, aim to create a robust regulatory framework to promote the decarbonization of transport.

Infrastructure and energy

Meanwhile, the development of a broad and accessible network of charging stations, with specific tariffs for electric vehicles and schedules that do not affect the stability of the national electricity system, is another pillar of the Mexican transition.

“The issue of incentives for charging infrastructure is a significant barrier. The way electricity is currently contracted is not designed for large installations, which complicates the installation of chargers,” says Jorge Suárez Velandia, an electromobility specialist.

On the other hand, there is a proposal to promote investment in renewable energies and modernize electricity transmission and distribution networks, intending to efficiently integrate electric vehicles into the energy system.

This includes implementing energy storage systems that enable bi-directional charging and discharging, optimizing energy use, and contributing to grid stability.