en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first batch of Taruk electric buses manufactured in Mexico has arrived in Chetumal and is being integrated into the city's public transportation system. These vehicles are Mexico's first fully domestically designed, patented, and manufactured electric buses, marking a new phase in the country's electric mobility strategy. After completing operational tests in the state of Quintana Roo at the end of 2025, the buses were deployed to expand electric mobility, enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, and improve the localization of transportation technology.
Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama confirmed that these vehicles will operate on routes in the state capital as part of a public transportation modernization strategy. She stated that the buses are expected to help improve urban mobility, support emission reduction goals, and expand the coverage of public transportation services.
The Taruk project is one of the most notable initiatives in Mexico's electric mobility sector. Officially launched in February 2026, the vehicle is Mexico's first fully designed, patented, and manufactured electric bus. The project is led by MegaFlux, which develops the electric drive system, and DINA, a subsidiary of Grupo PEO responsible for vehicle design and assembly.
The buses arrived in Chetumal after the Quintana Roo Institute of Mobility (IMOVEQROO) initiated pilot tests in October 2025. During the evaluation phase, a Taruk bus operated with passengers on the Caribe and Sian Ka’an routes to assess its performance under real operating conditions. Additionally, technical trials were conducted on other planned routes to evaluate energy consumption, range, connectivity, and overall operational performance.
Each Taruk bus is specifically designed for urban transit operations, measuring 9.5 meters in length and accommodating approximately 60 passengers, including 28 seats. Powered by a 100 kW electric motor, the vehicle can achieve a range of up to 350 kilometers on a single charge, enabling full-day service without the need for intermediate charging.
The battery system can be fully charged in approximately four hours. According to the project developers, its operating costs are lower than those of comparable diesel-powered buses. The vehicles are also equipped with accessibility features, including dedicated wheelchair spaces, to facilitate use by passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Manufacturing and supply chain development are core components of this initiative. Up to 75% of the Taruk's components are sourced domestically. The electric drive system is produced in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, while final assembly takes place in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo.
The project has received support from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCYT). Government officials describe the initiative as a demonstration of Mexico's growing technological capabilities and industrial development potential.
During the national launch event, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard described the Taruk as a strategic element of Mexico's industrial policy. "The Taruk is Mexico's first fully designed, patented, and manufactured electric bus," he said. Ebrard added that the technology developed in Mexico requires sustained public and private sector investment, which is crucial for fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening the country's technological sovereignty.
The project is also linked to the federal government's efforts to expand domestic participation in the electric vehicle supply chain. Rodolfo Osorio, head of the Electric Mobility Unit at the Ministry of Economy, stated that major original equipment manufacturers are expanding their operations in Mexico to support the production of emerging transportation technologies. The ministry is working to connect Mexican small and medium-sized enterprises with large manufacturers to supply components, materials, and specialized services.
According to Ebrard, the Taruk has demonstrated its operational viability through deployment in the public transportation system. He noted that 66 electric buses have been delivered for use in Chetumal, and discussions are underway regarding the potential deployment of approximately 800 buses across 18 Mexican cities, including Morelia and Tepic, where pilot projects have also been conducted.
The project has also attracted interest from international markets. During a public event in Puebla in August 2025, Ebrard revealed that U.S. municipalities have expressed interest in the vehicle. "We received a call from Los Angeles," Ebrard said. "'We saw your vehicle announcement in Mexico. Do you also manufacture the motors?' Yes. 'We are interested in this bus. We will need approximately 10,000 to 20,000 units in the coming years.'"
Despite growing interest from domestic and international markets, Grupo PEO plans to scale up production gradually. Altagracia Gómez, President of Grupo PEO and head of the Council for Regional Economic Development and Nearshoring (CADERR), stated that the company intends to expand manufacturing capacity in phases. "We feel more comfortable with fleet sizes of 50 to 100 buses," Gómez said.
Grupo PEO expects to deliver up to 200 buses in the next production cycle and will increase the workforce dedicated to the project from 150 to approximately 350 employees.
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