Karsan Picks BMW Batteries For New Atak Electric Bus

Turkey’s Karsan introduced its new 24 ft. (8 m) Atak Electric bus during an event in Munich, Germany, that was co-organized by BMW. Atak Electric offers two seating layout options for a total capacity of 52 passengers.

The “New Definition of Mobility” event also showcased Karsan Jest Electric, BMW i3 and i8 models.

Five BMW i lithium ion batteries with a total capacity of 220 kWh will reportedly run an Atak Electric up to 300 km on a single charge. The vehicle can be charged in as little as three hours with fast DC charging units. A regenerative braking system also recycles power which enables the batteries to self-recharge up to 25%. The electric motor at the heart of Atak Electric is rated at 230 kWh power and 2400 Nm torque.

Karsan CEO Okan Baş said the company has already sold 35 Jest Electric buses in Europe, the first product from its cooperation with BMW.

“In collaboration with BMW, we are producing electrically-powered mass transport solutions for the whole world. We are thrilled to launch Atak Electric, a pioneer in the market with its long range, unique technologies and dimensions, and with a brand-new look. As a 100% Turkish brand, we also became the first company to develop and start mass production of two electric vehicles in one year.”

The company plans to start producing the new bus in August.

“In August 2019 we will launch roadshows in countries such as France, Germany, Romania, Italy, Portugal and Bulgaria, and these roadshows will continue until the end of the year,” said Baş. “We will first target the European markets with Atak Electric. Our strong cooperation with BMW will continue and we hope that we will do even better in the future with brand new transport solutions”.

Karsan has been an independent multi-brand vehicle manufacturer in Turkey for more than 50 years. The company manufactures the H350 light commercial vehicle for Hyundai Motor Co., buses for Menarinibus and its own diesel and electric models.