With a range of up to 125 kilometers, the ability to adapt for passenger or cargo transportation, and operating costs lower than those of a motorcycle, Olinia aims to establish itself as the first electric vehicle developed specifically for Mexico’s urban mobility needs.
The project, promoted by the Mexican government, was conceived to address the conditions faced daily by thousands of drivers in cities and towns across the country: uneven streets, short-distance trips, rising fuel costs, and the need to use a vehicle as a work tool.
During a tour of one of the prototypes, Roberto Capuano, Director of Olinia, explained in an interview with Alejandro Domínguez for MILENIO Televisión that the vehicle’s development began by analyzing how mototaxis, urban taxis, and light cargo vehicles are used in different regions of the country. This observation ultimately defined much of its design and functionality.
“We asked ourselves what makes the Mexican market unique and what design best adapts to our streets, towns, and cities,” he explained.
The result is a compact vehicle that breaks away from the traditional image of a car. In fact, one of the most frequent comments received by the team is that many people do not immediately recognize it as a car.
The reason lies in its practical approach. Olinia was designed to maximize available space and adapt to different usage needs.
The vehicle features a foldable rear bench seat that allows passenger transport but can also be folded down to convert the rear section into a cargo area. During testing, the team even managed to fit a washing machine inside to demonstrate the versatility of the design.
Designed for Existing Streets, Not Ideal Ones
One of the aspects most emphasized by the Olinia team is that the vehicle was created for the real conditions of Mexico’s urban infrastructure.
For this reason, the suspension was specifically developed to withstand uneven roads, cobblestone streets, and surfaces that are not always in optimal condition.
Additionally, special protection was incorporated for the most sensitive electrical components. Both the motor and batteries were designed to withstand contact with water, an important consideration in a country where heavy rains frequently cause flooding and water accumulation on streets.
Range was also a central focus during development. Although the initial goal was to achieve 100 kilometers per charge, testing allowed the range to be extended to 125 kilometers.
According to Capuano, this figure is sufficient to cover more than 90 percent of daily urban trips made in Mexico.
“Most people do not travel more than 30 kilometers per day, so a single charge can represent two or even three days of use,” he stated.
The charging process will not require specialized infrastructure. The vehicle can be plugged into a standard household outlet, where a full charge would take approximately nine hours, or into higher-capacity installations similar to those used for air-conditioning systems, reducing charging time to around four hours.
The Goal: Reducing Costs for Those Who Earn a Living by Driving
Beyond the technology, Olinia’s main argument is economic. The project was designed especially for people who depend on their vehicles to generate income, such as taxi drivers, mototaxi operators, delivery workers, and small-scale transporters.
According to Capuano, the vehicle’s low weight allows it to use a smaller battery, significantly improving energy efficiency.
While a gasoline-powered vehicle may cost around 2.40 pesos per kilometer to operate and a motorcycle about one peso per kilometer, Olinia could operate for approximately 49 centavos per kilometer using current electricity rates.
The proposal also includes moderate speeds. The vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour, sufficient for urban travel and compatible with the regulations being developed for this segment.
The team is currently working with authorities on the creation of a new regulation for this type of light electric vehicle, which they expect could be published next year.
Although Olinia is presented as a one hundred percent Mexican vehicle in terms of concept and design, Capuano acknowledged that the project has involved both national and international specialized companies for various engineering and manufacturing processes.
The goal is to take advantage of existing infrastructure for production, distribution, and after-sales service, which the company considers essential for the project’s commercial viability.
In addition to the passenger model, the company is preparing a version focused on cargo transportation. This vehicle will replace the rear seats with a large cargo area and is intended for small-scale commercial activities.
Both versions are part of Olinia’s commercial strategy, which is expected to launch in the summer of 2027, with the goal of opening a new chapter in electric mobility developed in Mexico.
Source: msn
