Zacua’s Pioneering EV Status Disputed by Sheinbaum’s Olinia

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that the government is working on advancing the Olinia project, seeking a patent for this new Mexican electric vehicle. Unlike other models already in the market that might import a significant part of their components, Sheinbaum highlighted Olinia as a true Mexican effort. These claims, however, have been disputed by Mexican OEM Zacua.

The Mexican government has also taken significant steps to advance the country's role in global electric vehicle manufacturing. During a recent morning press conference, President Sheinbaum confirmed that the Olinia project involves collaboration with several national institutions, including the Technological National Institute of Mexico (TecNM) and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), along with private sector companies.

The Olinia vehicle is expected to be compact, affordable, and 100% electric. It will be designed by young Mexican engineers and assembled in Mexico. The vehicle's name, derived from the Nahuatl word meaning "to move," symbolizes the project's aim to establish a strong presence in the global electric vehicle market and compete with established brands such as Tesla and BYD.

“The goal is to increase national production of the electric vehicle, particularly focusing on the electronic components,” President Sheinbaum stated, emphasizing that while some Mexican companies have developed electric motors, many still rely on imported electronics. 

Zacua, a Mexican electric vehicle (EV) brand, in response to questions about the development of the Olinia, clarified that it remains the only Mexican automaker to fully develop its own electronics. However, the company acknowledged the need to import certain components, such as batteries, for its vehicles. 

Zacua continues to strengthen its position in the development of Mexico's electromobility sector. The company’s recent statement reaffirmed its commitment to technological independence and local innovation. Launched in 2018, Zacua has become a pioneer in Mexico’s EV industry, leveraging national talent and resources to create vehicles with a strong technological foundation.

"Much of our technology is completely Mexican, developed from the ground up by a national team," Zacua representatives explained. This approach allows the company to maintain control over critical components of its vehicles, especially in the area of electronics. Zacua emphasizes that its vehicles are not only designed and manufactured in Puebla but also feature technological advancements developed by local engineers. 

"We are proud to have technological independence in the critical components of our vehicles," said Zacua officials, noting that their progress is the result of 20 years of investment and effort in Mexico.

The company’s push for national production extends beyond its current vehicle lineup. Zacua is already working on the next generation of electric vehicles, with plans to introduce new mobility solutions, including options aimed at addressing last-mile transportation. In response to increased competition from international brands entering the Mexican market, Zacua expressed its dedication to remaining competitive. "We are working hard to ensure that Zacua remains a strong and competitive national brand," the company said in a statement addressing concerns raised by customers through social media.