Mexico is introducing innovative alternatives to traditional transportation methods as part of its journey towards a zero-emission transition. One notable development is the introduction of buses that do not use gasoline, providing a pioneering mode of transport for citizens.
How do new buses work without gas?
The path to decarbonization is complex, and it’s being achieved step by step, albeit not as quickly as desired. Perhaps public transport will be the motivator needed to drive this change forward. There’s a significant difference between polluting means of transport that use gasoline and non-polluting transport. Mexico, being an extensive country with a large population, relies heavily on public transport, making it a crucial area for innovation. In this case, the state of Guanajuato, specifically León City, is at the forefront of introducing these modern, gas-free buses.
The project aims to achieve decarbonized transport through buses that use only electricity, with the goal of creating a sustainable public transport system. This year, around 20 units of electric buses are expected to circulate on Line 1 of the Integrated Transport System (SIT), also known as “caterpillars.” These units are from Chinese brands Yutong and Byd, leaders in the manufacture of electric vehicles.
Of course, not using fuel means these buses will have better environmental performance, but other aspects such as power, consumption, and performance need to be evaluated and will be tested in the coming months.
A strategy towards contamination-free transport
The city of León is striving to be a leader in introducing electric transport to all of Mexico. Besides electric vehicles, hybrid, natural gas, and even hydrogen vehicles are being considered. However, the current trend in Mexico and Latin America favors electric technology due to its efficiency and sustainability.
In fact, Mexico has its own 100% electric car, with several models revealed. It’s not surprising that public mobility is also getting electrical options. One of the most ambitious goals of this transition is to mitigate the 32 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by buses during their 15-year useful life. This environmental impact is equivalent to planting about 42,000 trees, a significant advance for air quality and citizens’ health.
For now, the plan isn’t to replace the entire fleet with electric units, as it requires a high investment and more extensive tests. Instead, routes where this technology is more viable will be prioritized.
Reduce emissions and strengthen the quality of transport
This initiative isn’t the only one of its kind in the region. It’s aligned with the introduction of electric trucks in transport services in the Guanajuato state. There are already active electric units in the Unebús, a line connecting León and Guanajuato, and in San Miguel de Allende.
The first units for the SIT are ready and awaiting their official launch. The strategy is to create a wide transport network. In fact, Zapotlanejo launched the first 100% electric bus in Mexico, which has an engine of up to 295 kW, meets international security standards, and was created in Beccar workshops in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco. This bus is already in use in the Riviera Maya and is being considered as a feasible alternative for the Guadalajara metropolitan area soon.
With the arrival of these electric buses to SIT, León is positioning itself as a pilot city in the field of electric transport, opening doors to the development of solutions that benefit the environment and the quality of life of its inhabitants.