Karsan Expands to the UK After Japan, Bringing Right-Hand Drive Electric Public Transport Solutions

Foreks - Karsan (IS:KARSN), a pioneer in the transition of public transportation to electric and autonomous vehicles globally, continues to expand its market presence with innovative products. Operating in a vast geographical area from North America to Japan, Karsan has taken its first step to transform public transportation in the UK, following its entry into the right-hand drive vehicle market in Japan at the end of 2023.

The company introduced its 100% electric right-hand drive e-JEST model at an event held at the EuroBus Expo in Birmingham. Deniz Çetin, Deputy General Manager of Commercial Affairs at Karsan, stated that since its launch, the Karsan e-JEST has stood out in Europe, saying, "Our vehicle has been the leader in its segment in Europe for the past four years without interruption. Karsan e-JEST has succeeded in being one of four vehicles registered in Europe in the electric minibus segment. As the first electric minibus provider in North America, Karsan currently operates 153 e-JEST vehicles in the United States and Canada." Deniz Çetin emphasized that Karsan is rapidly advancing towards becoming a global brand with over 1,200 electric vehicles serving in 23 countries and continued, "At the end of last year, we launched the right-hand drive e-JEST in Japan. Now, we are putting the e-JEST on the roads in the UK and Ireland with our partner EVM. Our future targets now include Malta and Australia. With its dynamic and aesthetic design, Karsan e-JEST is a modern solution for cities, preferred on feeder lines that service main routes during peak hours with its ideal passenger capacity. During off-peak hours, e-JESTs are also used as shuttle vehicles, reducing operational costs with their compact size. Thus, our vehicle provides extra value to businesses as a lower-cost alternative solution for low demand during nighttime hours when fewer people are traveling. In less populated and historical cities, Karsan e-JEST offers a rational solution with smaller capacity instead of utilizing large vehicles, easily maneuvering in narrow streets where larger vehicles cannot enter due to its compact size."

Danny McGee, CEO of EVM, Karsan’s partner in the UK and Ireland with extensive market experience, stated, "Karsan’s innovative electric minibus aligns perfectly with EVM’s vision for more environmentally friendly and efficient travel solutions. Together, we are ready to power the future of mobility and transform the public transportation experience."

The Karsan e-JEST stands out with a range of 210 kilometers! The 6-meter electric city minibus Karsan e-JEST draws attention as the leading model in the brand's electric transformation. In its right-hand drive version tailored for the UK market, the e-JEST has a compact size with a passenger capacity of 17 and is powered by BMW’s 135 kW electric motor. With an 88 kWh battery capacity, the vehicle can travel up to 210 kilometers and can be charged in 1 hour with fast charging or 4 hours with home-type overnight charging. Moreover, thanks to its regenerative braking system, the batteries can also recharge themselves by 25%. The Karsan e-JEST stands out with its high maneuverability, spacious interior, dynamic design, and unique climbing performance that surpasses competitors, providing silent journeys that illuminate the future. Equipped with a touchscreen that includes vehicle control systems, a fully digital instrument panel, USB outputs, and Wi-Fi compatible infrastructure as needed, the right-hand drive version of the Karsan e-JEST offers passenger comfort comparable to passenger vehicles with its independent suspension system on all four wheels. Offering both active and passive safety driving features from ESP to Hillholder, the e-JEST will electrify the UK and Ireland just as it has in Europe, North America, and Japan.