Mexico opts for its own small electric vehicles with »Olinia«

Following Tesla’s announcement that it will not be pursuing its factory plans in Mexico, the country is planning to set up its own production of affordable small electric vehicles with the ‘Olinia’ project. While large manufacturers are primarily focussing on high-priced models, Mexico is targeting compact, energy-efficient and cost-effective vehicles with this concept, which offer a sensible alternative in urban areas in particular. The first prototype is to be presented in 2026 to coincide with the World Cup in Mexico. The vehicles are expected to cost between 4,230 and 7,200 euros.

BEM board member Markus Emmert considers the project to be very promising: »These micro electric vehicles are particularly useful in urban areas – both in terms of their size and energy efficiency as well as their price. In Europe, they fall into the L7e category. They are therefore not unknown to us and could be ideal in countries such as Mexico. They are functional, economical and require significantly less energy than conventional vehicles or SUVs. They can also be charged at a normal socket – and in a reasonable amount of time.«

However, despite the ambitious plans, one major challenge remains: the sustainability of the energy supply. While electric cars appear to reduce air pollution in cities at first glance, energy generation in Mexico is not necessarily environmentally friendly. »The legacy of the state oil company Pemex is the problem here. Heavy oil is being burnt – and that is even worse than many other fossil fuels. That is of course a major challenge. But Mexico has enormous potential for renewable energies. There is plenty of sun, wind and other resources. By the time the electric car goes into series production, the situation could have improved – we have high hopes that viable concepts for the use of renewable energies will have been developed by then«, says Emmert.

This step is also a strategic response to the growing need for sustainable, cost-effective mobility solutions in Mexico’s urban centres. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasised that the vehicle will be safe, easy to charge and built with a maximum proportion of Mexican components. With this initiative, Mexico is showing that it is not relying solely on foreign investment, but is actively working to shape a sustainable mobility future. The development of Olinia could herald a new era of electromobility in Mexico – focussing on self-reliance, social justice and urban efficiency.

⇢ Original-article: »Olinia«: la respuesta de México a la retirada de Tesla