Mexico City – Mexico has officially entered a new era of technological independence with the unveiling of the Olinia 1, the nation’s first domestically developed electric vehicle.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo led the presentation at Military Air Base No. 1 on Sunday, showcasing the vehicle as a symbol of a country deeply committed to education, science, and innovation as drivers of national well-being. Developed under the comprehensive Mexico Plan, the project highlights a shift toward zero-emission transportation powered by home-grown talent.
A key component of the initiative is the participation of young Mexican engineers, researchers, and students. The project brings together leading academic institutions, including the National Technological Institute of Mexico and the National Polytechnic Institute, creating a partnership between government agencies, universities, and research centers to cultivate a robust industrial and electromobility sector from the ground up.
According to Secretary of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez, the Olinia 1 demonstrates how academic knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions that support national development. The project also serves as a model for connecting education and industry while creating opportunities for future generations of engineers.
Designed as an affordable mobility solution, the Olinia 1 is designed to be easy to drive, maintain, and repair. Project Director Roberto Capuano Tripp announced that the vehicle will launch with a starting price of 150,000 pesos, making sustainable transportation genuinely affordable.
To support the rollout, the team is already collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Electricity Commission to install the first 2,000 charging points across Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and Puebla. While the passenger model is expected to hit the streets in the summer of 2027, the team is already expanding the lineup, with a cargo-focused version scheduled to be unveiled next month.
Engineers designed the Olinia 1 with practicality and safety in mind. Technical Director Rafael Garayoa Guajardo said the vehicle can safely carry up to six passengers and includes seatbelts for all occupants, dedicated space for a wheelchair, and a water-resistant 13.5-kilowatt electric motor. Built to navigate Mexico’s diverse landscapes and steep urban streets, the vehicle has a maximum speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour, making it ideal for daily city travel.
The Olinia 1 also offers substantial economic and environmental advantages. Quality Management System leader Imelda Vega Platas explained that the vehicle is powered by a 14.7-kilowatt-hour battery capable of traveling more than 125 kilometers on a single charge.
Operating costs are estimated at just 49 centavos per kilometer, making it approximately five times less expensive to run than a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. For drivers covering around 75 kilometers per day, annual fuel savings could exceed 50,000 pesos. Because the vehicle can be charged using a standard household electrical outlet, it combines convenience with lower operating costs and zero tailpipe emissions.
As Mexico expands its investment in science, technology, and clean energy, the Olinia 1 represents more than a new vehicle. It symbolizes a growing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of solutions created by Mexicans for Mexico’s future.
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