The project of the electric car manufacturer Olinia, recently presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is aligned with objectives such as technological sovereignty, sustainability and social mobility, although it also faces key challenges, according to experts.
Salvador Portillo, president of the National Chamber of Electrical Manufactures (CANAME), explained in comments offered to Forbes that among the objectives of this electromobility project is to position Mexico as a key player in the manufacture of electric cars, and to offer an accessible car. and affordable for the population.
He added that they also want to take advantage of the relocation phenomenon and attract investment and develop local suppliers.
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However, the government will have to confront global manufacturers with greater experience and economies of scale.
The issue of financing is another challenge, since the proposal suggests that the assembly company be the product of a public-private investment, Portillo added.
Disadvantages of the conventional plug
Connecting cars to a conventional socket, as proposed by the government, would not be entirely efficient.
During the presentation of the electric units that the government hopes to launch in the Mexican market around 2030, Sheinbaum explained that they must have the characteristic of being electric and that they can be connected to any socket. However, connecting an electric car to a conventional plug is not optimal.
According to Héctor Pérez, from the Electric Ecorad company, dedicated to the installation of chargers for electric cars, these vehicles do not connect to conventional plugs, and rather there is strong competition between connector models that seek to dominate and place one in the market that ties with the majority of charging points.
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Salvador Portillo explained that “charging an electric car with a domestic plug is possible, but not very efficient,” while “it is only recommended if you make short trips and can leave the car charging all night.”
In case of frequent use, he explained, it is best to use a Level 2 charging installation, an option that requires a 220V plug such as those for stoves, refrigerators or air conditioners, and which may require a wall charger.
The charging time in this option would be between 4 and 8 hours for a 40 kWh battery, or 8 to 12 hours for an 80 kWh battery.
In the presentation of the Olinia project, it was not specified what battery the cars planned to be manufactured in Mexico would have.
