This comprehensive solution (Arc) is going to help customers by providing advice on how to transition to electrification.”
Manuel Tamayo, CEO of Element Fleet
The electrification of freight transport in Mexico should accelerate in 2022, since the conditions are in place to take advantage of the progress in the efficiency of electric mobility, says Manuel Tamayo, CEO of the fleet manager Element Fleet.
The improvement in the autonomy of electric vehicles, shorter charging times and the advancement of charging infrastructure are factors that already allow companies to start their transition process from combustion vehicles, Tamayo points out in an interview.
Special mention deserves the current climate of high gasoline and diesel prices amid geopolitical tensions, which sends signals of the need to accelerate the process of change.
“We have to start the transition today,” says Tamayo, who answers categorically to the companies’ doubts about whether it is not convenient to wait for technology to advance and expand the autonomy range of vehicles or improve the charging infrastructure.
“Technology will undoubtedly advance, but for companies it will always be better to have a long way to go when that happens,” says Tamayo.
As a brand, Element Fleet has been present in Mexico since 2016, following the acquisition of GE Capital’s global transportation fleet management business in 2015.
At the time of the change of direction, the Mexican business that Element Fleet acquired had a portfolio of 23,000 managed vehicles, a figure that multiplied to 100,000 at the end of 2021. Of this fleet, only 200 are electric, so the company hopes to give it a boost to this segment with Arc, a new solutions and consultancy platform that seeks to encourage companies to take advantage of the advantages of electrification and give them the due support. The launch will take place the following week and, after the United States, Mexico will be the second market for Element Fleet where it will be sold.
“This comprehensive solution is going to help clients by providing advice on how to transition to electrification,” said Manuel Tamayo. The goal for 2022 is to bring the number of managed electric vehicles to 600. With Grupo Modelo, a pilot program for delivery vehicles began last year in Mexico City.
For this year, Element Fleet expects double-digit growth in Mexico and exceed the progress of its global business (5%), despite the great challenge it faces due to the scarcity of vehicles, due to the scarcity of inputs such as semiconductors and various metals. .