Mexico’s Taruk Electric Bus Could Land 20,000 US Orders

The Mexican-made Taruk electric bus has attracted significant commercial interest in the United States, with a potential order of between 10,000 to 20,000 units over the next two years, according to Mexico's Minister of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.

“We received a call from Los Angeles. They said: ‘We saw the announcement of your vehicle from Mexico. Are you also making the motors?’ Yes. ‘We are interested in the bus. We have a small program... we will need around 10,000 to 20,000 in the next few years,’” Ebrard said during a public event in Puebla on Aug.17.

The request comes amid growing interest from US and European buyers in sourcing electric vehicle components outside of Asia. Ebrard emphasized that this shift reflects evolving geopolitical strategies and concerns over technological security. “They are going to need vehicles and electric motors that do not come from Asia. That decision has already been made,” he stated.

The Taruk bus is powered by Mexico's first domestically developed electric motors. Ebrard noted that international demand for these motors already exceeds the country’s current production capacity by a factor of 10.

Highlighting the broader technological implications, Ebrard explained that electric buses are now equipped with cloud-based systems that collect real-time data on routes, passenger occupancy, and video surveillance. “You have all the information — who got on, where it is — anything you want to know. You connect the bus cameras and you have real-time control of the national territory,” he said.

Ebrard also announced that Mexico will unveil its own artificial intelligence framework in November, positioning it as a strategic asset in the context of global supply chain realignments.

The development of national electric motor technology began in 2021, following a request from Claudia Sheinbaum, then head of Mexico City’s government. The initiative aimed to strengthen the country’s technological independence in the growing electromobility sector.

The potential deal with Los Angeles marks the most concrete international lead for the Taruk platform date. Mexican officials did not disclose timelines or confirm whether negotiations are underway. Ebrard shared these developments during the launch of the Economic Development and Welfare Hub in Puebla, part of Mexico’s broader strategy to localize high-value manufacturing and boost export capabilities in the clean energy sector.

The Taruk electric bus was jointly developed by Mexican companies MegaFlux and DINA, with support from the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (Conahcyt), as well as leading academic institutions such as UNAM and UAM. Measuring 9.5 meters in length and capable of transporting up to 60 passengers—30 of them seated—the Taruk is designed for urban environments and reflects a collaboration between private industry, government agencies, and academia. Final assembly takes place at DINA’s plant in Ciudad Sahagun, Hidalgo, while its electric powertrain is produced in Iztapalapa, Mexico City.

Built with 70% Mexican components—targeting 75% regional content—the Taruk offers a range of up to 350 km per full charge and requires a maximum of four hours to recharge. Initial deployment will begin with 320 units in Ensenada, Baja California, with plans to expand to 67 intermediate cities across the country.