Government will start the production of electric cars

Néstor Jiménez and Alonso Urrutia

La Jornada Newspaper
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, p. 8

The automotive manufacturer Olinia, promoted by the federal government, plans to start with three models of electric mini-vehicles, focused on personal transportation, neighborhood mobility and transportation of goods for last-mile delivery as an alternative to motorcycles or mototaxis. Its estimated price will be between 90 and 150 thousand pesos, announced yesterday Roberto Capuano, in charge of the project.

In turn, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo explained that it was selected to work together with the National Polytechnic Institute and the National Technological Institute of Mexico for its development, due to the experience of its researchers in that sector.

Although there are already electric Mexican cars, most of the components they use are imported, which increases their cost. With Olinia, they will gradually seek to resort to national components, he indicated.

During the press conference at the National Palace, Capuano, who was director of the Metrobús during Sheinbaum’s administration as head of Government, clarified that the manufacturing of these vehicles will be carried out in different plants with the intention of reducing costs; He noted that they are still analyzing their locations, but stressed that they will be supported by the Mexican clusters in the industry that already exist.

Without advancing the date for the commercial launch, he explained that one goal is that with the first model let’s get to the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, at the Azteca stadium, in an Olinia.

He explained that a minivehicle is characterized by having the ability to be charged in a conventional electricity outlet, it is low cost and its main use is for urban mobility; They are also zero emissions and their operating cost is much lower than gasoline ones.

In addition to their use for personal transportation, he stressed that they are seen as alternatives to motorcycles, motorcycle taxis and delivery vehicles. Is a product for young people who require a vehicle, mothers who take their children to school, for the many people who currently resort to purchasing a motorcycle as a personal transportation vehicle. We will provide you with a safer and more affordable alternative.

For her part, Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez, Secretary of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation, stressed that this project seeks to achieve successful technology transfer between the academic and research sectors for the creation of companies through a public-private partnership. .