Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled the first functional prototype of the Olinia electric vehicle on Sunday, presenting the government-backed project as a step toward a homegrown, affordable national electric car brand.
Sheinbaum Drives Olinia Onto Public Stage At a ceremony inside a Mexican Air Force hangar at the Santa Lucía military base north of Mexico City, Sheinbaum drove the six-seat passenger prototype, called the Olinia Uno, onto the stage.
She later shared images of the vehicle and herself briefly driving it on X, writing, "Today we present Olinia, the electric car created by young Mexican women and men." Hoy presentamos Olinia, el auto eléctrico creado por jóvenes mexicanas y mexicanos. pic.twitter.com/IkexSRtTDY— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) June 7, 2026 The compact electric vehicle is positioned as a practical urban transport and a possible taxi option for city dwellers.
Officials have also cast it as a safer alternative to motorcycles, noting that most urban trips in Mexico are under 30 kilometers.
Read Also: BYD Leads China's Global EV Push As Overseas Demand Accelerates Mexico Targets Homegrown Electric Car Production Roberto Capuano Tripp, director of the Olinia project, offered a first look at the prototype in May during a press conference hosted by Sheinbaum, according to Mexico News Daily.
