The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, unveiled the official logo of Olinia, the first electric car made in Mexico, which will be formally presented in September. The logo features an alebrije-style hare, inspired by Mexican cosmovision, and will appear on the front and rear of the vehicle.
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During the morning press conference on Wednesday, August 13, President Claudia Sheinbaum explained that this emblem represents “intelligence, energy efficiency, freedom, and a leap toward national innovation.” The image will serve as Olinia’s distinctive mark, a project that brings together national scientists, engineers, and technologists to shape an accessible, sustainable, and culturally representative electric car, with the final design to be unveiled in September.
What models will the Olinia electric car offer?
The Olinia project plans to launch three initial models, each designed to meet specific needs of urban mobility in Mexico:
- Personal mobility: A compact car, ideal for daily commutes such as going to work, school, or getting around the city.
- Neighborhood mobility: A practical mototaxi-type model, designed for short distances within urban communities, with space for passengers or light cargo.
- Last mile: Vehicles adapted for goods delivery, intended for small businesses, couriers, and logistics services.
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What will the prices of the Olinia electric car be?
The major appeal of Olinia is its affordable price. According to project director Roberto Capuano, the models will be priced between $4,830 a $8,050 USD (90,000 MXN and 150,000 MXN), depending on the version.
This price range makes it an attractive option for students, workers, small business owners, and delivery drivers seeking an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to public transport or gasoline vehicles.
When will the first Olinia models be unveiled?
The final design of the vehicles will be revealed in September 2025, with production expected to begin by mid-2026, just before the kickoff of the World Cup hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
“In the cargo segment, we aim to provide an alternative for small businesses and companies with delivery fleets; we already had a meeting with Sepomex as we are in the process of developing our cargo vehicle,” added Capuano.
Additionally, in June 2026, the first pilot fleet will be launched — a series of units to undergo real-world testing in various cities across the country.
Where will the Olinia electric cars be manufactured?
While the design center is already operational in Puebla, the production plant location has yet to be determined. “We are working in Puebla, our design center is in Puebla, which has great infrastructure and a strong automotive heritage; however, we haven’t yet decided where our plant will be, that decision is still in progress,” Capuano stated.
The federal government, led by Sheinbaum, is assessing whether production will be carried out with public capital, through public-private partnerships, or in collaboration with automotive companies. “We are working to determine whether production will be fully public or involve a private partner who can provide resources and support the vehicle’s development,” said the president.
Which institutions are involved in the development of Olinia?
The project is coordinated by the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation, and includes experts from:
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN)
- National Technological Institute of Mexico (TecNM)
- National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
- Various public research centers
“Olinia is not just engineering; it’s research, data analysis, and effective collaboration. It’s a transformative project that positions Mexico as a regional leader in electric mobility,” emphasized Arturo Reyes Sandoval, IPN director.
IPN is leading key areas such as exterior and interior design, and the development of the vehicle’s operating system. It is also in charge of the charger, testing infrastructure, and a quality management system.
What challenges does urban mobility face in Mexico?
From its inception, Olinia was conceived with a focus on real population needs. To understand them, the team of engineers and developers traveled across Mexican cities using mototaxis and accompanying delivery drivers, gaining firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by millions.
“Those are the short but vital journeys that millions of Mexicans take every day — taking kids to school, shopping, or connecting to main transport routes,” explained Capuano.
These trips, though short, are often made under unsafe and informal conditions. Olinia aims to be a safe, stable, and economical alternative.
Who will benefit from the Olinia electric vehicles?
Olinia is aimed at specific audiences with logistical and urban mobility needs:
- Families and young people who need a compact, affordable car.
- Small business owners who need to transport goods or supplies.
- Delivery drivers and companies with last-mile logistics needs.
- Local communities that rely on mototaxis as their primary transportation.
“We want to create a tool to accelerate the growth of small businesses, which are a key engine of our economy,” said Capuano.
Additionally, the vehicles will be adapted to Mexican streets, capable of climbing slopes, rechargeable via standard outlets, and with operating costs lower than even those of a motorcycle.
