Introduction
The 50% tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are causing significant financial strain for consumers and negatively affecting climate policies and efforts to combat atmospheric pollution in Mexico. Internal combustion vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) in Mexico, accounting for 25% of total emissions according to official inventories. They are also the primary cause of ozone-related atmospheric pollution in Mexican cities, contributing heavily to the emissions of their precursors: nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reactive hydrocarbons (HC). The health consequences in major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are particularly severe.
The Path Forward: Electrification and Policy Integration
To address these issues, the primary goal should be to reduce and eventually eliminate emissions from internal combustion vehicles. The most definitive way to achieve this is through the electrification of the vehicle fleet, integrating climate and environmental policies with industrial and commercial policies to make electric vehicles more accessible, affordable, and functional for the average user.
Unfortunately, Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) has not intervened or expressed opinions regarding the Mexican government’s decision to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which are more affordable, technologically advanced, and should serve as a cornerstone for climate policy and air quality improvement.
Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollutants like NOx and HC during their use, which are precursors to ozone. Moreover, the carbon footprint of electric vehicles throughout their life cycle (manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal) is significantly smaller than that of any other vehicle type (internal combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid) under any scenario. A study by Smith et al. (2025) in “Environmental Science & Technology” supports this claim.
While the CO2 emissions of electric vehicles depend on a country’s energy mix, electric vehicles still emit less than other vehicle types throughout their life cycle. In the United States, for example, an electric vehicle with 300 miles of range has emissions that are 36% lower than a plug-in hybrid, 65% less than a hybrid, and 75% less than a comparable internal combustion vehicle. However, it’s essential to consider that larger batteries in high-autonomy electric vehicles result in greater manufacturing emissions.
Choosing the Right Electric Vehicle
Selecting an electric vehicle with appropriate autonomy for one’s specific mobility needs—whether urban or highway driving, cargo transportation, or long-distance travel—is crucial. Smaller or medium-sized electric vehicles with smaller batteries and lower autonomy are more affordable and can be cleaner options.
In Mexico, some North American electric vehicles (Mustang, Chevrolet Blazer, and Equinox) are assembled primarily for export. However, there are a few experimental local brands with negligible commercial relevance, including one supported by the government. None can compete with Chinese electric vehicles in terms of price, quality, and functionality due to the lack of industrial policy and production chain integration.
The tariffs were imposed under pressure from the Trump administration and Mexico’s revenue needs to fund unsustainable clientelistic subsidies, pensions, and support for Pemex. These tariffs will ultimately be paid by Mexican automobile consumers, hindering the accessibility and penetration of electric vehicles.
As a result, most consumers will be priced out of electric vehicles, with no viable alternatives from US imports or domestic manufacturing. This decision directly harms consumers’ economy, air quality, and Mexico’s climate policies and commitments.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the environmental impacts of internal combustion vehicles in Mexico? Internal combustion vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) in Mexico, accounting for 25% of total emissions. They also significantly contribute to atmospheric pollution, particularly ozone-related issues in major cities.
- How can electric vehicles help address these environmental challenges? Electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollutants during use, reducing overall environmental impact. Their carbon footprint throughout their life cycle is smaller than that of other vehicle types.
- What are the consequences of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles for Mexican consumers? Tariffs make electric vehicles less accessible and affordable, hindering their penetration in the Mexican market. This negatively impacts consumers’ economy and undermines climate policies.
- What role should industrial and commercial policies play in promoting electric vehicles? Integrating climate and environmental policies with industrial and commercial policies can make electric vehicles more accessible, affordable, and functional for the average user.
