Mexican EV Olinia Delivers Affordable Mobility

A New Step for Electric Mexico

The Olinia project represents Mexico’s first effort to design and manufacture an electric vehicle entirely within the country. Unlike imported EVs, which often come with high price tags and limited local adaptation, Olinia was conceived as a vehicle built in Mexico, for Mexico. The initiative is led by a consortium of public institutions, including the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and the Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), with support from the Secretariat of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

By creating a Mexican EV, the project aims not only to introduce sustainable transport but also to build a domestic supply chain, develop engineering expertise, and reduce dependence on foreign imports. Olinia is therefore not simply a car but part of a larger national vision for advancing Electric Mexico as both an industry and a movement toward cleaner, more inclusive mobility.

Affordable EV for Everyday Use

Cost has long been one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in Mexico. Imported models typically remain out of reach for most households, with prices that exceed the budgets of middle-income families. Olinia addresses this gap with a planned price range of 90,000 to 150,000 pesos (about $4,400–$7,500 USD), positioning it as one of the most affordable EVs globally.

By competing directly with motorcycles, mototaxis, and low-cost combustion cars, Olinia changes the perception of EVs from luxury goods to practical alternatives. This affordability also makes it appealing for delivery workers and small businesses, groups often excluded from the EV market. Instead of waiting for foreign manufacturers to bring down prices, Mexico is designing its own solution, proving that affordability and sustainability can advance hand in hand.

Three Models Built for Urban Life

Recognizing that mobility needs vary widely across Mexico, Olinia is being developed in three different models:

• Personal Mobility – A compact two-passenger EV, intended for daily commutes, students, and urban professionals.
• Neighborhood Mobility – A four-passenger design to serve as a safer, cleaner alternative to mototaxis in smaller towns and crowded neighborhoods.
• Last-Mile Delivery – A utility-focused model created for couriers and small businesses, helping meet the fast-growing demand for urban deliveries.

These models demonstrate how Olinia adapts to real-world transport patterns rather than following the design of international EVs. Each version provides a targeted response—whether for families, communities, or businesses—making electric mobility practical and inclusive.

Made in Mexico, Meaningful Mobility

Olinia is more than a product—it is a collaborative innovation involving Mexico’s top universities, public institutions, and engineers. By embedding research and manufacturing within the country, the project ensures that the knowledge, skills, and supply chains remain local.

Early production plans focus on automotive hubs such as Puebla and Sonora, regions with established infrastructure that can support scaling. Beyond manufacturing, Olinia is expected to stimulate research into battery development and vehicle design, creating opportunities for students and engineers to shape the future of Electric Mexico. With an initial budget of around 25 million pesos, the project started modestly but carries ambitions that extend to global relevance.

The Value Behind Mexico’s First EV

• Affordable Price – With costs between 90,000 and 150,000 pesos, Olinia makes EVs accessible to ordinary families and small businesses.
• Three Models – Personal, neighborhood, and delivery versions designed for how Mexicans actually move and work.
• Local Development – Built by IPN, UNAM, and TecNM, ensuring that engineering expertise and innovation stay in Mexico.
• Production Strategy – A focus on local assembly and supply chains, strengthening national industry and creating new jobs.
• Clear Roadmap – Prototype by 2026 and commercial launch by 2030, aligning with broader trends in EV adoption.