AUTO

Mexico’s Public Transit Goes Electric with VinFast’s VF 5 SUV

November 5, 2024

Durango Drivers’ Union plans to replace its gasoline fleet with 3,000 VinFast VF 5 electric SUVs and 300 electric buses.
VinFast, V-Green, and CTM will build EV charging stations across Durango to support the new fleet.
The transition will cut CO2 emissions, reduce costs, and create local jobs for Durango.

When it comes to sustainable transport solutions, VinFast is stepping up on a global scale. In an exciting new partnership, VinFast and the Durango Drivers’ Union in Mexico have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on “greening” public transport in Durango City.

This strategic move includes discussions around a potential purchase of 3,000 VF 5 electric SUVs and 300 electric buses, marking a pivotal step in Durango’s shift away from gasoline-powered fleets toward a cleaner, more efficient future.

Why does this matter? This partnership highlights the rising global interest in VinFast’s electric vehicles while also meeting the unique needs of markets like Mexico. With backing from the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), the collaboration focuses to turn Durango into a leading example of sustainable public transit.

Key Points of the MOU:

EV Adoption: The Durango Drivers’ Union is considering replacing its current fleet with VinFast VF 5 electric SUVs and electric buses. This could drastically cut CO2 emissions while lowering operating costs for the union.
Charging Infrastructure: VinFast’s affiliate, V-Green, along with CTM, will help develop and install EV charging infrastructure across Durango, making EV usage convenient and accessible.
Economic Impact: Beyond environmental benefits, this project has the potential to create local jobs by installing and running new charging stations, boosting growth in the community.

Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, Deputy CEO at VinFast, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are impressed by the State of Durango and CTM’s strong commitment to a green transition. This shared vision for a sustainable future aligns perfectly with VinFast’s core values. With our high-quality electric vehicles and our affiliates’ expertise in taxi operation and charging infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to support the State of Durango in realizing their vision, creating a lasting impact on the state and the broader Mexican landscape.”

VinFast VF 5 and Electric Bus Specs: A Perfect Fit for Public Transit

VinFast has been expanding rapidly across markets, with a versatile range of electric vehicles. The VF 5 electric SUV, already popular among individual drivers and taxi fleets, offers strong value for public transport systems. This model combines reliability, a nice design, and smart technology, making it a solid choice for fleet operations.

VinFast’s electric buses offer a safe, flexible option that’s built to handle the demands of public transportation. By choosing to explore these buses, Durango is joining a growing number of cities looking for sustainable solutions that work well for both riders and transit operators.

Mr. Juan Erik Mercado Rangel, representing the Durango Drivers’ Union, highlighted the appeal of VinFast’s green solutions: “We are thrilled to collaborate with VinFast, a global EV brand. Their vehicles, their green mobility ecosystem, as well as their grand vision and spirit of partnership have truly impressed us. CTM believes that this collaboration not only paves the way for enhanced transportation services but also positions us at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable mobility.”

Lower Costs, Cleaner Transit, and a Stronger Charging Network

For cities like Durango, shifting to electric vehicles means more than just environmental benefits. The potential savings on fuel costs alone can significantly reduce the operational budget for the Drivers’ Union, making it easier to maintain affordable fares for the public. And with an EV ecosystem in place, Durango City is positioning itself to become a leader in sustainable urban transport.

For Durango, building a reliable network of EV charging stations is key. With so many electric vehicles on the way, they need infrastructure that can handle high usage from public transit and personal drivers alike.

This partnership with VinFast and V-Green is a big step in that direction to create an EV network that’s ready to support everyone on the road, from buses to everyday cars.

Image showcasing VinFast VF 8 in red and "Boundless Together" slogan on a sign at Electrify Expo San Francisco

VinFast Expands Global EV Success, Eyes Mexico’s Growing Market

VinFast isn’t new to the global stage. In September 2024, the brand became the first EV car company to lead in sales in Vietnam, showcasing its popularity in both domestic and international markets.

Their lineup, including models like the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs, have already made an impact in countries such as the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, and more. This strong global presence demonstrates that VinFast is well-prepared to bring its expertise in electric vehicles to Mexico, supporting the country’s budding EV sector.

The Mexican government, too, has been exploring incentives to boost EV adoption, and partnerships like this one encourage further investments in sustainable transportation.