How LAIIT and Legacy EV are putting Baja California on the Electromobility map
By Jesús Rivera Martínez
What a week we had! Being at Enerbaja 2025 , the most important energy forum in Northwest Mexico, presenting the electric vehicle training project from our Engineering, Innovation, and Technology Laboratory (LAIIT) at Grupo Educativo 16 de Septiembre, was one of those experiences that will shape the future. It's not just a course; it's the missing piece that will allow Baja California to become a leader in the electric revolution.
Here's why this project, done in collaboration with our friends at Legacy EV , is so crucial for our region.
I. Enerbaja 2025: The Megaphone of Our Vision
Enerbaja is not just an event; it's the showcase where the future of energy in the state is defined. Presenting our project there validates that we are 100% aligned with the vision of the
Energy Transformation of Baja California. We are talking about a real commitment to innovation, sustainability, and above all, to the people of our border region.
The Challenge: Where Are the EV Experts?
Imagine this: Mexico is accelerating its electric car production. It's projected that by the end of 2025, we'll be producing more than 250,000 vehicles. It's insane! But there's a catch:
There are not enough skilled technicians . The National Auto Parts Industry (INA) tells us that nearly 70% of companies are having trouble filling these high-tech vacancies.
The Training Center: A Winning Alliance
To address this urgent challenge, LAIIT got to work. Thanks to a collaboration agreement signed on January 29, 2025, with the Union of New Car Dealers (UCAN) , and with the invaluable support of funds from the State Business Trust through CDEM , our training center is now a reality!
The best thing about our center? It's a state-of-the-art space where:
- We train experts in 100% electric vehicles (BEV).
- We train in the conversion of internal combustion engines to electric. (Yes, we give those gasoline engines new life!). This is key because, although pure electric vehicles are coming on strong, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) still dominate the Mexican market. We are covering both the present and the future.
II. World-Class Safety and Certification with Legacy EV!
This is where Legacy EV, our technology partner based in Tempe, Arizona, comes in. Their involvement allows us to offer a
Dual international certification instantly elevates our technicians' profile to the North American standard. When a foreign company sees this credential, it knows it's hiring the best.
The heart of this project is the "EV Fundamentals Certification Bootcamp ." Forget boring lectures with slides. This methodology is 100% practical and designed for hands-on workshops.
Our graduates not only learn to replace parts, but they also master the most complex systems:
- High Voltage Safety (Levels 1 and 2): This is the most important part! We work with 100V training benches, learning how to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and operate safe disconnect systems (MSDs and HVIL). First Aid and CPR certification is included as a bonus. Safety first, always.
- The EV's Brain (BMS): Electric vehicles are essentially computers on wheels. We train you to diagnose the BMS (Battery Management System) and the motor controller, which are the most expensive and complex systems in the vehicle. Goodbye to traditional mechanics, hello to power electronics!
- Super-Technician Skills: We read wiring diagrams and learn how to troubleshoot advanced electrical faults and insulation detection.
III. A Salary Leap for BC Talent
Investing in this training isn't just a resume boost; it's a leap in quality of life. While the average mechanic's salary in Mexico ranges from $11,000 to $13,500 pesos per month, a highly skilled, high-tech technician with experience, such as maintenance supervisors or managers in Tijuana, can expect salaries ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 pesos per month.
By offering certifications that meet U.S. standards here in Mexicali, we are opening the door for local talent to stay, grow, and capitalize on the EV revolution.
The LAIIT/Legacy EV project is the engine Baja California needs for the next decade. We are ready to drive the future of electromobility and, most importantly, the future of our people!
