Playing a pioneering role in the transformation of public transportation to electric and autonomous vehicles around the world, Karsan continues to expand the markets in which it operates with its innovative products. Karsan, which operates in a vast geography from North America to Japan, has now taken the first step to transform public transportation in the UK, following Japan, the first right-hand drive vehicle market it entered at the end of 2023.
After the UK and Ireland, Malta and Australia are next
The company launched its 100% electric right-hand drive e-JEST model in the UK, the second right-hand drive market it entered, with an event organized at EuroBus Expo in Birmingham. Karsan CCO Deniz Çetin said that Karsan e-JEST has stood out in Europe since the day it was launched and added: “Our vehicle has been the leader of its segment in Europe for four consecutive years. Karsan e-JEST is one of the 4 vehicles registered in Europe in the electric minibus segment. Offering the first electric minibus for public transportation in North America, Karsan is currently active in the region with 153 e-JEST vehicles in the US and Canada.” Emphasizing that Karsan is rapidly progressing towards becoming a global brand by serving in 23 countries with more than 1200 electric vehicles, Deniz Çetin continued as follows: “At the end of last year, we launched the right-hand drive e-JEST in Japan. Now we are taking e-JEST on the road with our business partner EVM in the UK and Ireland. Our targets for the coming period now include Malta and Australia. Karsan e-JEST, a modern solution for cities with its dynamic and aesthetic design, is preferred for intermediate lines feeding main lines during peak hours with its ideal passenger capacity. e-JEST vehicles are also used as shuttle vehicles during off-peak hours, reducing operational costs with their compact size. Thus, our vehicle provides extra benefit to businesses as a lower-cost alternative solution to low demand during night hours when fewer people travel. Karsan e-JEST, which offers a rational solution with a smaller capacity instead of using large vehicles in less populated and historical cities, also moves easily in narrow streets where large vehicles cannot enter and provides great convenience in maneuvers with its compact size.“
Danny McGee, CEO of EVM, which will introduce Karsan e-JEST to the UK and Ireland markets and has deep market experience as Karsan’s business partner in these regions, said: “The introduction of Karsan’s innovative electric buses aligns perfectly with EVM’s commitment to greener, more efficient travel solutions. Together, we’re set to power the future of urban mobility and transform public transport experiences.”
Karsan e-JEST stands out with a range of 210 kilometers
The 6-meter electric city van Karsan e-JEST stands out as the leading model in the brand’s electric transformation. e-JEST, which has a compact size with a passenger capacity of 17 people in the right-hand drive version exclusive for the UK market, is powered by BMW’s 135 kW electric motor. With its 88 kWh battery capacity, the vehicle has a range of up to 210 kilometers and can be charged in 1 hour with fast charging and 4 hours with home night charging. Moreover, thanks to the regenerative braking system that provides energy recovery, the batteries can recharge themselves at a rate of 25%. Standing out with its high maneuverability, spacious interior, dynamic design and unique climbing performance that surpasses its competitors, Karsan e-JEST sheds light on the future with its quiet journeys. Equipped with a touchscreen display with vehicle control systems, a fully digital dashboard, USB outputs and Wi-Fi compatible infrastructure upon request, the right-hand drive version of Karsan e-JEST offers passengers the comfort of a passenger car with its 4-wheel independent suspension system. Offering a combination of active and passive safety driving features from ESP to Hillholder, e-JEST will now electrify the UK and Ireland after Europe, North America and Japan.