Karsan has detailed its plans for UK market entry and says that it will introduce the battery-electric e-JEST here in late 2024.
The e-JEST is a 5.8m minibus with a GVW of up to 5,200kg. It can carry up to 22 passengers including standees and has an 88kWh battery and a 135kW motor, both from BMW. Claimed maximum range is 210km, with AC and DC charging possible.
Karsan is already committed to the Euro Bus Expo trade show at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November. The UK will be the second territory where the e-JEST is offered by Karsan in right-hand drive form, following Japan.
Deputy General Manager Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu notes that the manufacturer continues to rapidly develop its technology, adding that the full-size e-ATA battery-electric bus will see its weight reduce by 900kg in 2025. It also offers the 8.3m e-ATAK.
Karsan entered the European market in 2019 and says its 29% share of the battery-electric minibus segment there makes it the continent’s leading provider of those vehicles, a position it has now held for four consecutive years. 153 e-JEST minibuses have also been delivered to Canada and the United States.
In debuting the right-hand drive e-JEST in Japan during 2023, Karsan said that the model comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen cab display that includes vehicle control systems, USB charging points, and an optional feature that provides a wi-fi compatible infrastructure. Four-wheel independent suspension is also fitted.
Mr Arpacıoğlu says that its pace of expansion means Karsan “is rapidly progressing towards becoming a global brand in the field of electric mobility.”
He adds: “This year, we aim to maintain our leading position in our target markets by continuing our growth. In addition, after the Japanese market, we have put other right-hand drive countries on our agenda. In this context, we plan to introduce the right-hand drive e-JEST to the UK market at the end of this year.”
Karsan says that across its battery-electric range, it now has 1,100 buses in service in 23 countries and includes autonomous technology among its offerings.
