Mexico Launches Domestic Electric Bus Taruk, Still Reliant on Chinese Battery Cells

Mexican automaker DINA, in partnership with local collaborators, has invested $60 million to launch the domestically produced electric bus "Taruk." With a single-charge range of 350 kilometers, the Taruk is already in operation in Chetumal and is scheduled to enter service in Mexico City by 2027. The project targets an annual production capacity of 5,000 to 6,000 units. Currently, over 70% of its components are locally sourced, with plans to increase this localization rate to 75–80%. While body and chassis assembly are already conducted domestically, the battery cells continue to be supplied from China. Due to restrictions under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the origin of critical battery components, Mexico must accelerate the development of its domestic battery industry to meet export requirements. However, lacking lithium processing capabilities, materials manufacturing infrastructure, equipment, and skilled personnel, Mexico is unlikely to reduce its reliance on Chinese battery cells in the near term.