Mexico’s launch of the Playground de Electromovilidad initiative aims to de-risk investment and accelerate the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles — a segment responsible for over half of transport emissions despite representing just a quarter of the fleet. The program comes as Mexico targets 30% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030, aligns with the Global MoU, and tightens controls on used diesel imports, reshaping regulatory compliance, capital allocation, and fleet modernization strategies across the transport sector.
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Mexico has launched Playground de Electromovilidad, a platform designed to improve coordination and decision-making to accelerate the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative is a joint effort by Sostenibilidad Global, CalSTART and The Climate Group.
“Electromobility is not slowed by a lack of conviction, but by excessive individual risk. Playground exists to support leading companies in coordinating this transition and turning isolated decisions into a collective strategy,” said Isabel Studer, president, Sostenibilidad Global.
In Mexico, trucks and buses represent roughly 25% of the vehicle fleet but generate more than half of transport-related emissions. Electrifying these segments requires upfront investments that can be up to 200% higher than conventional vehicles, although lifetime operating costs are typically lower due to fuel and maintenance savings.
Mexico has committed to ensuring that 30% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales are zero-emission by 2030, rising to 100% by 2040. Playground aims to reduce uncertainty for companies and accelerate the development of a national electric mobility ecosystem.
The platform will provide practical learning tools and shared infrastructure to support corporate decision-making. Ricardo García Coyne of CalSTART, Studer of Sostenibilidad Global and Killian Dorier of The Climate Group formally signed the initiative.
“Although there are still significant challenges in this sector, electrification is advancing internationally faster than projected. Each year, targets become more ambitious because technology evolves more rapidly than expected,” García Coyne said.
Global data reflect that acceleration. Sales of electric trucks have grown 800% over the past three years. In the Netherlands, the share of electric light trucks and vans rose from 8% to 76% during that period. Ethiopia achieved full electrification of its light truck market within two years. In China, December 2025 marked the first month in which more than half of all truck sales were electric.
In Mexico, 25 brands now offer more than 60 electric commercial vehicle models, ranging from last-mile delivery vans to heavy-duty buses and trucks. Some models provide driving ranges of up to 440 kilometers.
The organizations behind Playground are already active in global electrification efforts. The Climate Group leads EV100, an initiative encouraging companies to transition corporate fleets to zero-emission vehicles between 2030 and 2040, depending on market conditions and vehicle segment.
Global MoU on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
CalSTART also coordinates the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Global MoU), which calls for 100% zero-emission sales in the segment by 2040, with an interim target of 30% by 2030. Mexico joined the Global MoU in November 2025 during COP30.
According to CalSTART, the 42 signatory countries represent nearly one-quarter of the global truck market. Supporting organizations and endorsers generate more than US$1.3 trillion in annual revenues, and participating governments account for approximately 40% of global GDP.
José Luis Samaniego Leyva, undersecretary for sustainable development and the circular economy at Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), described the agreement as a catalyst for investment and industrial development. He said the collaboration reinforces Mexico’s political commitment while creating opportunities in zero-emission vehicle production and innovation aligned with a circular economy strategy.
His remarks follow Mexico’s recent environmental regulations restricting the import of used diesel vehicles weighing more than 3,857 kg and limiting engine age to 10 years.
Industry representatives highlighted the regional signal sent by Brazil and Mexico. John Boesel, CEO, CalSTART, said that by clearly signaling openness to zero-emission transport investment, these countries are well positioned to attract fleet operators, infrastructure providers and clean technology innovators.
Stephanie Kodish added that Latin America is emerging as a strategic node in the global supply chain for clean commercial vehicles, with local communities poised to benefit from improved air quality, new economic activity and more efficient transport systems.
