Introduction and Background
The Taruk, a fully electric bus designed and manufactured in Mexico, was unveiled in Puebla as part of the Plan México. Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, highlighted its significance for electromobility and disclosed Los Angeles’ interest in the model.
The Birth of Taruk: A National Initiative
In 2021, Claudia Sheinbaum, then the head of Mexico City’s government, emphasized the need for Mexico to develop its own electric motor technology instead of relying on foreign imports. This led to the formation of a team comprising national industry, research centers like UNAM, the Polytechnic, and Conacyt, along with companies Dina and Potencia Industrial MegaFlux. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the creation of a vehicle with a Mexican-made motor.
“Today, it’s a reality. Mexico demonstrates that it can create and not just assemble. What is made in Mexico is on par with, and often surpasses, international offerings,” Ebrard stated.
International Interest: Los Angeles Shows Interest in Taruk
Ebrard revealed that following the announcement of Taruk, authorities from Los Angeles have expressed interest in the model. They project acquiring 10,000 to 20,000 electric buses over the next two years.
Currently, Mexico’s installed capacity allows for the production of 2,000 units annually, with potential to scale up to 6,000 buses. Ebrard emphasized that this demand presents an opportunity for Mexico to capitalize, as the United States and Europe aim to reduce their reliance on Asia for strategic technologies.
Puebla’s Commitment: 20 Taruk Buses for Underdeveloped Tourism Zones
Puebla’s governor, Alejandro Armenta, announced that the state will start operating 20 Taruk buses to connect less-served tourism areas.
“This polygon should be taken advantage of by national entrepreneurs to benefit from tax incentives. The goal is to foster development and protect those who invest in Puebla,” Armenta said.
He also mentioned that the Development Polo will expand to 400 hectares and receive support from the Center for Specialization in High-Level Human Resources (CERHAN) to ensure specialized talent for high-tech industries.
Entrepreneurs’ Perspective: Taruk is 100% Mexican
Roberto Gottfried Blackmore, CEO of Potencia Industrial MegaFlux, explained that Taruk was designed, created, and patented in Mexico with 75% national integration and a goal to achieve 100% locally-produced components.
“This is the first electric bus with a Mexican motor. We didn’t pay any foreign licensing fees. Our aim is to avoid dependence on anyone for technological development in the country,” Blackmore said.
He highlighted that Taruk is not a prototype but a mass-production capable product. “We can produce up to 2,000 units annually and grow the lineup to 6,000. Mexico has the talent to meet its own needs and compete with the best globally,” he affirmed.
Prioritizing Electromobility in Mexico
Taruk joins the Plan México strategy, which focuses investments and tax incentives on key sectors like electromobility, semiconductors, and renewable energies.
Ebrard stressed that the United States has shown direct interest in the Taruk model, as they seek regional suppliers instead of relying on Asia, especially due to security technology and data control challenges in electric vehicles.
“Taruk signifies that Mexico can meet global demand, leverage its North American position, and strengthen the national industry,” Ebrard concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Taruk? Taruk is an electric bus designed and manufactured in Mexico, featuring a motor developed domestically.
- Why is Taruk significant? It represents Mexico’s capability to develop its own electric vehicle technology, reducing dependence on foreign imports.
- Who has shown interest in Taruk? Los Angeles authorities have expressed interest in acquiring Taruk buses.
- How many Taruk buses will Puebla operate? Puebla plans to start with 20 Taruk buses for underdeveloped tourism zones.
- What is the potential of Taruk production? With current capacity, Mexico can produce 2,000 Taruk buses annually and scale up to 6,000.
- What is Plan México? Plan México focuses investments and tax incentives on key sectors like electromobility, semiconductors, and renewable energies.
