Mexico enters EV race with compact six-seater Olinia Uno

Mexico, a major global hub for automotive manufacturing, has launched its first homegrown electric vehicle brand with the debut of the Olinia Uno, a compact six-seater designed to transform urban mobility in the country, Carscoops reports.

While Mexico hosts production facilities for many of the world’s largest automakers, it has historically produced few domestic car brands. The new Olinia Uno aims to change that, marking the country’s entry into the electric vehicle market with federal government backing.

The Uno is designed and built in Mexico and is not intended to compete with conventional consumer electric cars. Instead, it targets the country’s widespread motorcycle taxis and three-wheeled mototaxis that dominate short-distance transport in many cities.

According to the company, the model is intended for “short group trips, frequent stops, people coming and going with bags, children, and older adults.”

The vehicle is powered by a 14.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a single electric motor producing 17 horsepower (13 kW). Its top speed is limited to just 31 mph (50 km/h), reflecting its focus on short urban journeys rather than highway travel.

Olinia says the vehicle is equipped with multiple grab handles inside and outside, while its coach-style rear doors allow for easier access, including for wheelchair users without modification.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum personally presented the prototype at its world premiere, driving the Olinia Uno onto the stage at the Santa Lucía military base.

While its design prioritizes function over aesthetics, the company says the vehicle is intended as a practical solution for urban transport needs rather than a conventional passenger car.

By Vafa Guliyeva