A new electric bus has been developed in Mexico. It’s called the “Taruk”, from the Yaqui word for the roadrunner bird. (Yaqui is an indigenous language of northwest Mexico).
It’s the first fully electric bus completely developed in Mexico.
According to Mexico Business News, “Developed through a collaboration involving the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (CONAHCYT), along with companies Dina and Megaflux and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Taruk represents a partnership among government, academia, and the private sector.”
The Taruk can go up to 200 kilometers on a four-hour charge.
According to Roberto Gottfried, co-founder of Megaflux, “Seventy percent of the Taruk’s manufacturing is national. Although we design it here, we have to send it abroad for manufacturing.”
Lithium cells and power electronics are the only imported components.
Mexico Business News reports that “Megaflux produces the motor, while Dina manufactures the body and chassis. With current production capacity, they expect to manufacture between 3,000 and 4,000 units annually.”
From Opportimes: “Taruk means roadrunner in the Yaqui language and is the first Mexican electric bus. MegaFlux, a 100% Mexican company, created and developed this vehicle, as well as its electric battery. The bus is ideal for Mexico’s cities, due to its design adapted to the specific conditions of the country’s urban areas.”
“With a capacity for 60 passengers, the Taruk is ready to circulate in the center of large metropolises, as well as in the outskirts and in the country’s 67 medium-sized cities. Moreover, its local manufacture allows for a more efficient and faster service. This boosts the development of urban infrastructure and offers sustainable mobility with zero emissions.”
Opportimes says “60 passengers” while Mexico Business News says 69 passengers. But if you’ve been on an urban Mexican bus you know that squeezing more passengers on is not a big problem. After all, they don’t all have to sit down!
“Taruk combines technological innovation and economic efficiency. At the same time, it reinforces the commitment to the environment. Thanks to its zero-emission technology, it reduces pollution in cities. It improves air quality and reduces the impact of urban transport on climate change.”
“This clean mobility alternative represents a key advance towards a more sustainable and healthy future. It has also been successfully tested in the Mexico City Passenger Transport Network (RTP).”
There was a public ceremony to present the Taruk. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard certified the bus as officially “Made in Mexico”.
“At an event held at the Ministry of Economy in Mexico City, Roberto Gottfried, director of MegaFlux, pointed out that the bus was designed and patented in Mexico. Unlike other models, it does not require adaptation of foreign versions.”
“During the ceremony, the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, presented Taruk with the official ‘Made in Mexico’ certification. This recognition reinforces its importance as a national innovation.“
“On the other hand, Claudia Agatón Muñiz, Mayor of Ensenada, confirmed that her municipality will incorporate Taruk units in public transportation. With this measure, she seeks to promote electromobility and strengthen Mexican technology.“
“Altagracia Gómez also highlighted the strategic role of MegaFlux and Gottfried in the development of the project. She also recognized DINA’s trajectory and its alliances with international brands. Finally, Taruk was supported by key institutions such as Conacyt, UNAM and IPN.“
Click here for a short video with clips from the ceremony.