Mexico Launches Second Compact Electric Vehicle for Small Businesses

The Mexican government has launched Olinia Carga, a compact electric vehicle designed for small businesses, microenterprises, and entrepreneurs who need to transport goods and merchandise within cities and communities. According to Roberto Capuano Tripp, the director of the project, Olinia Carga can transport up to 650 kilograms and travel over 120 kilometers on a single charge.

## Key Features of Olinia Carga Olinia Carga has a number of key features that make it an attractive option for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The vehicle has an open platform that can carry 12 huacales, with the possibility of stacking them at different levels. The side panels are foldable, allowing for easy access to the contents from different points and adapting the vehicle to the needs of each activity.

The vehicle also has a low trunk, located in the space that would normally be occupied by the engine, fuel tank, and exhaust system of a gasoline-powered vehicle. This compartment can be used to store tools, equipment, and other items without using the main cargo area.

## Cost and Commercialization According to Capuano Tripp, operating an Olinia Carga will cost four times less than using a lightweight cargo vehicle and will be equivalent to approximately one-third of the operating cost of a motorized tricycle. The commercialization of Olinia Carga is expected to begin at the end of 2027, with a price of around 150,000 pesos.

The following table compares the different models of Olinia vehicles: | Model | Description | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | Olinia 1 | Designed for transporting people | Not announced | | Olinia Van | Designed for transporting merchandise in a closed and protected space | Not announced | | Olinia Carga | Open platform for transporting goods and merchandise | 150,000 pesos |

## Government Support and Industrialization The Mexican government is supporting the development of Olinia Carga and is seeking to convert the technological development into an industrial project. The government will publish a call for companies to participate in the production of the vehicles, with the goal of creating a company with majority Mexican capital that can produce the vehicles in the country and eventually export them to other markets.

The government is working with Nacional Financiera (Nafin) to attract investment and find strategic partners for the project. The selection process for partners is expected to conclude in December, with the goal of starting production in 2027.