On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Puebla’s governor Alejandro Armenta unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate 8,000 Mexican-made electric vehicles, the Olinia, into the state’s transportation system starting in 2027. This initiative, aligned with the federal government’s push for sustainable mobility, aims to modernize Puebla’s public transport and reduce reliance on mototaxis, a prevalent but often unregulated mode of transport in many municipalities.

The strategy is divided into two main phases:
– **3,000 Olinia units** will be purchased directly by the state government for institutional use, including logistics and distribution for the Puebla Cinco de Mayo brand and operational support for the State DIF (Integral Family Development System). These will be the Olinia 1 and Olinia 2 models.
– **5,000 units** will be allocated to public transport transformation, targeting the gradual replacement of mototaxis across various regions. To facilitate this, the government plans to create a special fund to cover 20% of the down payment for transport operators and concessionaires interested in acquiring these electric vehicles.

This move addresses a pressing issue: according to the latest census by the Secretariat of Mobility and Transport, Puebla hosts at least 5,734 mototaxis, mainly in municipalities like Coronango, Acatzingo, Chietla, Huaquechula, Atempan, and Chiautla. These vehicles have long posed challenges related to safety, irregular operation, and lack of insurance coverage.

The Olinia project, officially presented last weekend by Mexico City’s mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, represents the country’s first domestically developed electric vehicle. Priced under 150,000 pesos, it can carry up to six passengers and offers a range exceeding 125 kilometers per charge. Its compatibility with conventional outlets is a key feature designed to boost electric mobility adoption nationwide.

José Luis García Parra, coordinator of Puebla’s state cabinet, confirmed that work is underway to identify the initial municipalities and regions for the Olinia fleet rollout. Puebla also aims to join the vehicle’s supply and manufacturing chain, leveraging its established automotive industry.

If successful, Puebla’s plan would be the most extensive Olinia acquisition in Mexico to date, signaling a significant shift in local mobility—especially in areas where mototaxis remain the only transport option for thousands.

However, challenges remain: commercial production of the Olinia is set to begin in summer 2027, and experts highlight that the program’s success will depend on real-world vehicle range, charging infrastructure, financing models, and acceptance by current transport operators.

For now, Puebla’s government is clear on its path: first, strengthen state programs with the initial 3,000 vehicles, then drive a public transport overhaul that could mark the beginning of the end for many mototaxis, complemented by other electric transport solutions like the upcoming Cablebús system. This integrated approach could redefine mobility in Puebla with cleaner, safer, and more inclusive options.