Mexico has unveiled the Olinia Carga, a compact battery-electric light truck designed for small businesses, traders and delivery operators. Also known as the Olinia 2, the two-seat vehicle will offer more than 120 kilometres of range and a payload of up to 650 kilogrammes, with a target market launch in late 2027 at around 150,000 Mexican pesos.
Electric Transporter Targets Small Businesses
The Olinia Carga is designed to occupy a space between three-wheeled transport vehicles and conventional light commercial vehicles.
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The Mexican government says the vehicle can carry up to 650 kilogrammes and travel more than 120 kilometres on a charge. Its cab accommodates two people, while the battery can be charged using a standard domestic electrical socket.
Mexico has not yet disclosed the battery capacity or charging power of the Carga.
Operating costs are expected to be a major part of the vehicle’s proposition. Project leader Roberto Capuano Tripp said the electric transporter is expected to cost about one-quarter as much to operate as a conventional light commercial vehicle and approximately one-third as much as a “motocarro.”
The government is targeting a price of around 150,000 pesos, equivalent to approximately €7,000.
Mexico Seeks Domestic Manufacturing Partner
Mexico plans to manufacture the Olinia Carga domestically and is preparing to select an industrial partner for the project.
The tender process is scheduled to begin at the end of September and continue through December. The government intends to work with a company with majority Mexican ownership.
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Initial production is planned at 10,000 vehicles during the first year, with commitments already secured for 8,000 units. The government says annual production capacity could eventually increase to as many as 50,000 vehicles.
Battery Supply Remains a Challenge
Developing a domestic battery supply chain remains one of the challenges for the Olinia programme.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the country currently lacks sufficient domestic battery production capacity. Capuano estimates that the battery accounts for approximately 40% of the Carga’s value.
The government therefore plans to gradually develop domestic capabilities across the battery value chain as part of the wider effort to increase local content in electric vehicle production.
Olinia Expands Domestic EV Lineup
The Carga is part of a broader range of vehicles being developed under Mexico’s Olinia electric vehicle brand.
Mexico introduced the Olinia Uno prototype in June as the first model from the domestic EV programme. The battery-electric city car is also scheduled for launch in 2027 and is expected to offer around 125 kilometres of range.
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An Olinia Van with an enclosed cargo compartment has also been announced.
The programme forms part of Mexico’s broader industrial strategy to develop domestic electric vehicle manufacturing and engineering capabilities. For the Olinia Uno, the initial target is for 50% of the vehicle’s value to be generated locally, increasing to 75% by 2030.
With the Carga, Mexico is extending that localisation strategy into electric urban logistics and commercial transportation for small businesses.
Source: heise.de, mexicobusiness.news