Karsan launched the autonomous e-JEST, as well as the e-ATA Hydrogen and Karsan AI, at Busworld 2025. Innovations in urban public transportation were introduced with next-generation batteries and autonomous technologies.
Karsan, a public transportation brand, launched three new vehicles at Busworld 2025 in Belgium. The show featured the world premiere of its second autonomous model, the Autonomous e-JEST, along with the introduction of the e-ATA Hydrogen, developed in collaboration with Toyota, and the Karsan AI, which represents the brand's autonomous travel vision.
Karsan CEO Okan Baş said the following about the Autonomous e-JEST: “We call JEST a ‘Game Changer.’ The JEST family has rewritten the rules of the game, especially in Europe and globally. Today, we’ve added an autonomous version to the JEST family. Seven years of global e-JEST experience in public transportation and four years of proven autonomous experience with the Autonomous e-ATAK combine in the Autonomous e-JEST. This technology has been approved in 12 different cities and has proven itself in the field. With its innovative design, superior technology integration, and environmentally friendly approach, e-JEST, the strongest player in urban transportation to date, is now changing not only cities but the future. We’re not just producing electric vehicles anymore; we’re building an autonomous intelligence that understands the rhythm of cities, thinks with passengers, and shapes the transportation culture of the future today. Autonomous e-JEST isn’t just an add-on technology to e-JEST; it’s a mobility solution that perceives its environment, makes instant decisions, and continuously learns, a journey we’ve embarked on with Electric Evolution.” "It has transformed into intelligence. Autonomous e-JEST, which carries Karsan's vision one step further, is the strongest representative of the transition from the power of electricity to the freedom of intelligence."
The autonomous e-JEST offers 19 passenger capacity, a 135 kW engine powered by BMW technology, a 105 kWh battery, and a 260 km range. The vehicle can be fast-charged in 1 hour and 20 minutes, and its independent suspension system provides comfortable driving experience. The 23-sensor system provides safe driving by scanning its surroundings 360 degrees using LiDAR, radar, GNSS, and cameras.
Karsan continues its Electric Evolution journey with new-generation batteries. Thanks to these new batteries, the e-JEST offers a range of 260 km with 105 kWh, and the e-ATAK a range of 370 km with 264 kWh. The 10- and 12-meter models of the e-ATA family offer a range of 528–530 km with 528–530 kWh, and the 18-meter e-ATA offers a range of 550 km with an 800 kWh battery.
Another model unveiled at Busworld 2025, the e-ATA Hydrogen, was developed in collaboration with Toyota. Okan Baş commented on the vehicle: “Developed for zero-emission, long-range transportation, the hydrogen-powered model stands out as a new and highly comfortable option for public transportation. The 12-meter e-ATA Hydrogen boasts a 250 kW engine, 88-passenger capacity, and a 600 km range. It offers a reliable and sustainable solution with Toyota's proven fuel cell technology.”
Karsan AI (Autonomous Intelligence) was introduced as a smart mobility solution: “Karsan AI is a mobility intelligence that senses, makes instant decisions, and continuously learns. The secret to Karsan's autonomous success lies in strong collaborations. With its partners ADASTEC and Applied Autonomy, Karsan doesn't just offer an autonomous vehicle; it offers an end-to-end ecosystem that extends from the production line to the vehicle's operation in open traffic.”
The autonomous e-JEST's functions include managing city traffic, scheduling lane departures and turns, and analyzing road conditions and traffic flow. The vehicle can detect pedestrians and cyclists and respond instantly. Okan Baş stated the following about the vehicle:
"It reduces its carbon footprint with zero emissions, reduces energy consumption, and ensures safe driving by instantly detecting every movement in the city. Its compact design and superior maneuverability allow it to navigate narrow streets with ease. Always alert, risks are under control, offering comfortable and safe urban mobility."
The autonomous e-JEST continuously monitors its surroundings using lidar sensors, smart cameras, IMU, GNSS, and radar systems, optimizing routes and energy consumption. The vehicle not only increases efficiency in urban public transportation but also provides passengers with a safe and comfortable experience.
