Southern New Mexico is getting a major economic boost thanks to GreenPower Motor Company's decision to open a brand new electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Santa Teresa. The Vancouver-based company is investing in a 135,000-square-foot factory that promises to transform the local community with 340 permanent jobs and an impressive $200 million economic impact.

What makes this story truly inspiring is how it represents a perfect partnership between innovative industry and forward-thinking government. New Mexico has been rolling out the welcome mat for clean energy companies, and GreenPower took notice. The state's commitment to building a robust EV ecosystem, combined with generous financial incentives and Santa Teresa's designation as a Foreign Trade Zone, made the decision an easy one.

The timing couldn't be better for local job seekers. Operations are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with GreenPower taking possession of the facility on June 1, 2026. These aren't just any jobs either. They're positions in a growing industry that's shaping the future of transportation.

New Mexico's ambitious vision for a cleaner future played a starring role in attracting GreenPower. The state has committed to electrifying more than 5,000 state fleet vehicles and mandated that all state agencies transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. That's leadership in action. Last year alone, New Mexico awarded a four-year, $400 million contract to electrify more than 2,000 school buses and 3,500 state transit vehicles, complete with charging infrastructure and cutting-edge vehicle-to-grid technology.

To secure this transformative investment, New Mexico put together an attractive $14.6 million incentive package. This included $5 million through the Local Economic Development Act program, $4.6 million in Job Training Incentive Program funds, and additional support through Rural Jobs Tax Credits and High-Wage Jobs Tax Credits. It's a smart investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits of GreenPower's new facility extend far beyond the factory walls. Santa Teresa sits in the rapidly growing Borderplex region, anchored by the Santa Teresa Port of Entry and major rail connections. The area has already become a hub for manufacturing and logistics, and this new facility will only accelerate that growth.

Local businesses will see increased activity, from restaurants serving lunch to factory workers to suppliers providing materials and services. The 340 families who will depend on these jobs will spend their paychecks in local stores, send their children to local schools, and strengthen the fabric of their communities.

GreenPower specializes in building all-electric, purpose-built medium and heavy-duty vehicles for delivery, shuttle, transit, and school bus markets. Their commitment to domestic manufacturing means these vehicles will be built right here in America, supporting the nation's transition to zero-emission transportation.

This factory represents more than just economic growth. It's a statement about the future we're building together, where good jobs and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. As states and fleets across the country accelerate their shift to clean transportation, New Mexico is positioning itself as a leader in the green economy, and communities like Santa Teresa are reaping the rewards.