Karsan has upped the range of its e-JEST battery-electric microbus by increasing energy storage capacity to 105kWh from the existing 88kWh in a move that accompanies rollout of autonomous driving capability.
The former development sees the model’s claimed range reach up to 260km, an increase of almost 25% from the current maximum of 210km. It comes via use of a new generation of batteries across the Turkish manufacturer’s battery-electric vehicle family.
EVM is supplier of the e-JEST to the UK and Ireland. It is a 12-seat vehicle that was shown at Euro Bus Expo in 2024. News of the enhanced battery capacity and range and the autonomous technology was released at Busworld in Brussels during early October. Karsan says that fast charging can be completed in 80 minutes.
The self-driving capability comes via Level 4 autonomous technology. Karsan says that development combines seven years of experience in electric mobility with four years’ self-driving knowledge gained from the larger e-ATAK. It adds that the autonomous e-JEST “is a reliable solution for cities, born from the merging of two success stories.”
Autonomous driving in the Karsan e-JEST utilises a package of 23 sensors, with the example shown at Busworld having significant such equipment mounted on the roof. They include LiDAR, radar, GNSS and cameras, which the builder says ensure 360-degree scanning for safe driving.
Also debuting at Busworld was Karsan AI. The manufacturer describes it as “a mobility intelligence that perceives, decides instantly, and continuously learns.” When coupled to the autonomous driving sensor suite, that “determines every move – from lane keeping to turn timing – on its own.”
Full visibility across all blind spots is given and the platform instantly detects pedestrians, cyclists or sudden movements, with an immediate reaction.
Says Karsan CEO Okan Baş: “Autonomous e-JEST takes Karsan’s vision one step further, standing as the strongest representative of the transition from the power of electricity to the freedom of intelligence.”
