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Mexico revolutionizes the automotive market by launching an electric car that costs five times less than BYD models and cheaper than a motorcycle.
Mexico prepares to make history in 2026 World Cup with the debut of Olinia, the first electric car produced entirely in the country. The announcement, made by the administration of claudia sheinbaum, revealed that the car will be presented during the opening match of the tournament, in Mexico City.
The project, led by Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Sectei), is part of an ambitious clean mobility plan presented in the presidential inauguration speech in October 2024.
With an initial budget of 25 million pesos (about 1,2 million dollars), the initiative aims to revolutionize the Mexican automotive sector by aligning cutting-edge technology and sustainability.
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Name origin and cultural symbolism
Olinia, which in Nahuatl means “movement“, reflects the vehicle’s objective of promoting sustainable mobility and technological innovation.
Designed and assembled entirely in Mexico, the car will have its production base in the state of Sonora, a region with vast solar resources that drive the development of clean energy.
Second claudia sheinbaum, the name also symbolizes the commitment to strengthen the local automotive industry and position Mexico as a reference in the electric vehicle market in Latin America.
Production and models available In Mexico
The initial production will feature three models adapted to various urban demands. Two of them will be focused on short journeys and family use, while the third model, aimed at transporting goods and local deliveries, will serve the growing urban logistics market.
This diversity allows us to serve both young people looking for sustainable options and small businesses that need economical and ecological alternatives for deliveries.
Environmental impact and design innovation
One of the main objectives of Olinia is to reduce fossil fuel emissions in the transport sector. Rosaura Ruiz, Minister of Sectei, highlighted that the project is aligned with the energy transition promoted by the federal administration.
The vehicles will be compact, designed to optimize the use of urban space and improve traffic flow in large Mexican cities.
The proposal is to offer practical solutions to mobility problems, ensuring that sustainability and functionality go hand in hand.
Competitive price as a differentiator
One of the biggest draws of the Olinia is its price. With an estimated price tag of between 90 and 150 pesos (approximately $4.400 to $7.400), it will be a significantly more affordable option than competing electric models in the Mexican market.
While brands like JAC, Renault and BYD Offering electric vehicles in the range of 350 pesos (17.200 dollars), Olinia seeks to democratize access to electric mobility in the country, encouraging a broader transition to sustainable alternatives.
Safety as a design priority
User safety was also a focus in the development of the Olinia. In a context where the number of accidents involving motorcycles has increased, the design of the vehicle aims to offer a safer and more functional alternative.
"We want a compact, functional car that is a viable and safer alternative to motorcycles.”, said Sheinbaum. The model combines modern technology with design efficiency to deliver a reliable and accessible driving experience.
A milestone for Mexico's future
The launch of the Olinia electric car at the 2026 World Cup will be an iconic moment for Mexico. In addition to hosting the largest sporting event on the planet, the country will be demonstrating its ability to lead technological and sustainable innovations.
More than just a vehicle, the project reflects Mexico’s commitment to clean transportation, citizen safety, and sustainable economic development. The Olinia is a concrete example of how accessibility and technology can be combined to shape a greener, more promising future.
First, comparisons can only be made between equal, similar things, never between a vehicle that offers a certain level of comfort and a compact, minimalist one, lacking a reasonable minimum, with the sole purpose of saying that it is much cheaper than the other.