Mexico Launches First National EV: 6 Seats, Wheelchair Accessibility, and Costs Only €7,450

Mexico has unveiled the prototype of Olinia Uno, the first EV developed under a national program aimed at strengthening the technological and productive capacity of the country. The official presentation took place on June 7, 2026, in the presence of President Claudia Sheinbaum and represents a key component of an industrial strategy that aims to transition from assembly for international brands to the design and production of proprietary technologies.

The new Olinia Uno is an urban electric vehicle designed to keep purchase and usage costs to a minimum while transporting a maximum of six passengers. The specifications are, of course, distant from traditional cars intended for high-end markets such as those in Europe, China, or the United States, but the starting price is truly surprising. It starts at only 15,000 pesos, equivalent to about €7,450. Moreover, Olinia estimates an operational cost of 0.50 MX$ per kilometer, which at current exchange rates is about €0.025 per kilometer traveled.

Delving into the specifications, the model features a 14.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offers a stated range of 125 kilometers per charge, and reaches a maximum speed of 50 km/h. The characteristics highlight a strictly urban use, with particular attention to daily commuting and local transportation services.

One of the most interesting aspects is the internal configuration. The vehicle has fairly compact dimensions, despite the capacity for up to 6 passengers, and integrates solutions dedicated to transporting people in wheelchairs. Charging occurs via a standard household electric outlet, without the need to install dedicated infrastructure in homes.

According to data released by the project, the operational cost is approximately 0.49 pesos per kilometer, a figure that is significantly lower than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The initiative's leaders estimate annual savings exceeding 50,000 pesos for the most frequent users.

However, the Olinia program does not stop with the vehicle. Mexican authorities have announced the initial installation of 2,000 charging points across Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and Puebla. This infrastructure is expected to promote model adoption and support the gradual electrification of public transport fleets, including taxis.

Production has also been planned. Construction of the plant is expected to begin between August and September 2026. The initial planned capacity is 20,000 vehicles per year, with the goal of reaching 50,000 units annually within four years and subsequently achieving 100,000 vehicles per year.

In parallel, the government aims to increase the involvement of the domestic industry in the supply chain. The production will start with a local integration level of 50%, a percentage expected to rise to 75% by 2030 through the development of new suppliers and internal industrial skills.

Institutions are also working on a new regulatory category for low- and medium-speed urban electric vehicles to fill in the gaps of the current legislation. Regarding batteries, the program includes a second life for the batteries through their reuse as home energy storage systems before final recycling.