In a recent development, Turkish bus builder Karsan has successfully secured a noteworthy framework contract in Italy. The contract, awarded following a competitive tender conducted by the central procurement agency Consip, stipulates the delivery of 320 electric minibuses to various operators across Italy.
Under the terms of the framework agreement, Karsan’s acclaimed six-metre e-Jest electric bus and the eight-metre e-Atak will be provided. This contract encompasses a span of 18 months, during which Karsan anticipates receiving new orders from Italian operators. Notably, Karsan has not disclosed a fixed allocation between the two minibus models.
The e-Jest model boasts a robust 125 kW drive, delivering an impressive torque of up to 290 Nm. It offers operators the choice of two battery capacities: 44 kWh or 88 kWh. The latter enables the minibus to cover distances of up to 210 kilometres on a single charge. On the other hand, the eight-metre e-Midibus e-Atak packs an even more potent 230 kW capacity. It has the flexibility to accommodate up to five battery packs, each with a capacity of 44 kWh. In its highest configuration of 220 kWh, the e-Atak can achieve a remarkable range of up to 300 kilometres. Charging options for the battery packs include 80 kW DC or up to 44 kW AC.
With 34 electric buses already traversing various regions of Italy, Karsan has established a notable presence in the country’s electric transportation landscape. CEO Okan Baş highlights the success of the e-Jest, which has secured its position as Europe’s leading e-minibus for three consecutive years. The e-Atak has similarly emerged as a prominent player in its segment. Karsan’s ambition to bolster its market share is underlined by the recently inked framework agreement in Italy. Baş notes, “The demand for our proven vehicle offerings extends beyond Europe to a global scale.”
