Building a Local, Inclusive Future for Urban Mobility

Q: How does Zacua address the unique challenges of the urban mobility landscape in Mexico?

A: Zacua was founded specifically to tackle these challenges. We focus on issues such as the large number of cars on the road, environmental pollution, scarcity of space, and accessibility in urban environments. That is why our vehicles are electric, compact, and designed for city mobility. We offer small, two-seater cars that can be easily parked and navigate quickly and agilely without polluting or generating noise. Their size also allows for optimized use of space and improved accessibility in urban areas.

Q: What strategies is Zacua deploying to become a leading player in the urban EV market?

A: Our goal is to establish ourselves as a benchmark in electric and sustainable mobility, not only in Mexico but throughout Latin America. We have an ambitious yet human plan based on a sustainable model that integrates innovation and technology. From the beginning, our motto has been “Mexicans can innovate,” which has been proven right as we have developed a successful EV. The pandemic accelerated our evolution and sparked considerable interest in the project. We initially considered remaining a local brand, but we have received multiple requests to expand to other countries.

Instead of exporting our brand directly, we offer other countries the possibility to create their own brands by sharing our technology and know-how. This model promotes collaboration with local partners, allowing the wealth and jobs generated to remain in each region and empowering communities and strengthening countries. Our growth will not be linear or extractive but based on true collaboration and social purpose.

Q: What joint ventures and partnerships does Zacua have in the pipeline?

A: We are exploring partnerships with five countries: three in Latin America and two in other regions, including an Arab country. The fact that an Arab country wants to collaborate with us is a positive sign. We have established that inclusion and equity must be present in all projects and joint ventures we undertake, which represents both a challenge and a major opportunity.

Q: What distinguishes Zacua from major international competitors, particularly in terms of design and accessibility?

A: Vehicles sold in Mexico are generally not designed with the specific needs of Mexicans in mind; they are often adaptations or “tropicalizations” of models created for other markets. In contrast, Zacua develops its vehicles considering what Mexicans need in terms of urban mobility. Our design responds directly to the needs of Mexicans, offering compact, accessible vehicles adapted to the local environment. We do not compete directly with the large international brands, especially Chinese cars as they offer artificially low prices due to government subsidies.

We are a young Mexican SME in an early phase. Therefore, our goal is not to compete on the same terms but to open a new space for more Mexicans to join the automotive sector. We seek to start a movement that promotes local innovation and allows solid brands to exist in the global industry in 20 years. We are also careful about external capital entry because our mission is to transform the country and the region. We want to avoid prioritizing only quick profitability and losing the purpose of driving sustainable and human change. 

Q: How does Zacua plan to build trust and loyalty among its consumers?

A: We are focusing on growing organically, avoiding investment in paid advertising because we prefer to communicate directly in an honest and transparent way. We are a small group that bets with conviction, albeit with limited resources, but with a firm intention to contribute to a better future. This sincerity has allowed us to build a solid reputation and earn the trust of our customers.

Many people have voluntarily joined to support the project, including media outlets that have invited us to participate in events and naturally share our work. All our media exposure has arisen organically, without paid promotion.

Q: How does Zacua manage requests from customers who have already purchased a vehicle and want to upgrade?

A: From the start, we told customers that they were not simply buying a car; they were choosing to work with us. We knew that, as a young company with developing technology, we could not fully guarantee the vehicle’s perfect performance, so we invited customers to collaborate closely by sharing their experiences and feedback. These first users accepted the challenge with full awareness and trust, wanting to be part of this story despite the uncertainty. Their commitment has been fundamental to Zacua’s growth.

Q: What challenges has the company encountered when developing its own supply chain?

A: Our long-term dream is to create the world’s first car with a 100% local supply chain, so parts and components are sourced from Mexican companies owned by Mexicans. Due to globalization, cars are traditionally assembled with parts coming from many parts of the world. While we developed electronics internally, there were no Mexican suppliers for motors and other parts, so we had to work with what was available in the market.

Once we managed to produce the car and get it on the road, we began a gradual supplier replacement process, incorporating small and medium Mexican companies interested in joining. This allowed the first model to reach 60% national integration, including the incorporation of proprietary liquid cooling systems, unique in EVs.

We are now focusing on new models, where we project increasing national integration to 70% or 80%. The biggest challenge remains the battery, as there are no Mexican manufacturers of EV batteries. That will likely be the last step to consolidate.

Q: How would you describe the pace of EV adoption in Mexico, and what measures are necessary to accelerate adoption?

A: EV adoption is growing rapidly in Mexico, although it is still not a profitable business for most, except for those who receive government subsidies. 

Sales are gradually increasing. However, Mexico tends to follow trends and rarely acts out of proactive responsibility. Therefore, the goals for only EVs to be sold by 2030 are unrealistic. Zacua is not focusing on selling large volumes immediately, but on building a new narrative that inspires and motivates the transition to electric mobility. 

Q: What other initiatives or partnerships does Zacua have to support the electrification of mobility in Mexico?

A: We collaborate with various stakeholders to promote electromobility in Mexico. We work with the federal government on developing public policies. We also support Congress, deputies, and senators in drafting initiatives and provide them with technical information. We have also partnered with banks and insurers, taking on an educational role regarding EV technology.

We also work with industrial clusters, academia, and other sectors to promote curriculum updates and prepare the talent needed for the development of electromobility. We focus on creating vehicles that serve the majority of the population, considering that 90% of people live and carry out their lives in urban areas. For this reason, we design urban electric cars that meet these needs.

Q: What kind of industrial or governmental collaboration is needed to close gaps and strengthen supply chains in Mexico?

A: There is constant collaboration among stakeholders in the sector, but what is truly lacking is genuine political will and government funding. It is essential to allocate resources for development laboratories and research centers, and to provide direct support to local companies. We want to reduce technological dependence on Asia and promote what is made in Mexico. Investment is necessary to strengthen and support national companies that can contribute to supply chain development.

Q: What partnerships are you exploring to expand charging infrastructure?

A: Our sister company is a parking business, so we have public infrastructure that allows people to charge their vehicles. We also plan to open our own charging stations with proprietary charging centers. We are developing these stations and will soon be able to present the first prototypes of what they will look like.

Q: What are Zacua’s main strategic priorities for the remainder of 2025 and 2026?

A: Our strategic priorities include the launch of two new models. We also plan to consolidate a collaboration to create a second brand with an allied country, which would mark the beginning of Zacua’s internationalization. Our plant offers comprehensive services for the automotive sector, supporting companies interested in developing local projects, such as creating their own brand of motorcycles or compact vehicles. This is part of our vision to strengthen the local ecosystem and expand internationally. We are also acquiring land for a second plant, likely in Puebla, which will enhance our production capacity and growth.

Success is not measured solely by sales, especially at this stage of technological validation. Our main indicator has been the successful testing of our technology in vehicles that have been running for eight years without significant problems. Another key indicator is the reputation and trust we have built.