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Mexico’s ‘Olinia’ electric mini-car is complete and will debut June 7, officials say

MND Staff
By MND Staff
9
Olinia Project Coordinator Roberto Capuano Tripp shares a slide showing an Olinia vehicle, as President Claudia Sheinbaum looks on
Olinia Project Coordinator Roberto Capuano Tripp shared news of the advances at Wednesday's presidential press conference. (Juan Carlos Buenrostro /Presidencia)

A prototype of Olinia, the low-cost Mexican electric mini-car project promoted by the Mexican government, is now complete and will debut June 7 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Roberto Capuano Tripp, the director of the Olinia project, shared a first glimpse of the electric car prototype at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Wednesday morning press conference. The Mexican government plans to begin producing the car in 2027.

“Olinia is a technological project, an industrial project, and above all, a project for the people,” Capuano said. “A project from Mexico for the world.”

About Olinia

Reminiscent of a small European electric vehicle, Olinia features compact proportions and a tall, boxy body to maximize interior space. It is designed for ease of maneuverability on narrow streets and short trips.

“The goal is to have our own brand, an accessible vehicle for the Mexican population that is cheaper, electric, does not pollute, and allows us to travel through any town on the narrow streets of our country,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said, adding that another prototype designed for cargo transport will be revealed in July.

Operating at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour, Olinia will be suitable for driving in residential areas and city centers, adapting to the various streets of Mexico. Capuano said that even though the car is compact, it is comfortable and spacious.

Capuano said it will cost less to operate than a motorcycle. The car’s motor will have an estimated lifespan of eight years and it will be charged using a standard household outlet. 

“We wanted to find a solution that works for the people,” Capuano said.

Where is Olinia being built?

Olinia prototypes are being manufactured in Puebla at a facility provided by the Instituto Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM). However, the site for its industrial manufacturing has not yet been determined.

Mexico aims to produce 20,000 units per year in the first phase, starting in 2027, before increasing production to 50,000 vehicles per year over the following four years.

Mexico News Daily

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