Karsan, one of the world's leading public transportation vehicle brands, launched the autonomous e-JEST in America in Orlando in early November, following its European launch at Busworld Europe 2025 in early October. Introduced to the North American market for the first time at a special event, the autonomous e-JEST was tested and met with considerable interest from customers, distributors, and members of the press from various regions across the United States.
Immediately following the event, the vehicle was also showcased at the Florida Autonomous Vehicle Summit (FAV Summit), held from November 5–7. It provided summit attendees with an outdoor autonomous driving experience, garnering significant attention at its US debut. This strong response further demonstrated Karsan's innovative vision and global potential in autonomous mobility. Crowning this vision with tangible success in a short time, Karsan achieved a new global milestone by securing an order for 10 autonomous e-JESTs from the US. This order was not only a commercial success but also a testament to the strong collaborative ecosystem established with technology partner ADASTEC, North American distributor Damera, and autonomous vehicle orchestration partner Beep.
Planned to enter open traffic in the Atlanta area and central Florida in 2026, the autonomous e-JESTs will be the first electric and autonomous urban public transportation minibuses in the United States. Thus, Karsan is bringing its European success story to the United States, strengthening its position as a leading brand in autonomous public transportation on both continents.
Karsan Hits American Roads with Autonomous Version of "Cute Bus"
Karsan CEO Okan Baş commented on the matter: “With this step, we are strengthening our autonomous presence in the US, following our success in Europe. Our e-JEST model, which we launched in North America in 2022, was quickly met with great interest and quickly became known as the ‘Cute Bus.’ Now, we are taking our market position one step further with the Autonomous e-JEST, a version of this beloved model equipped with the latest autonomous technology. The order for 10 Autonomous e-JESTs from the US is the most concrete demonstration of the trust in Karsan's technological prowess in autonomous mobility and the strong partnerships it has established. With this new move, we are once again proving that our brand is capable of offering electric, autonomous, and future-ready solutions for the cities of the future in the North American market.”
Karsan receives first order from the US for 10 autonomous e-JEST vehicles
The autonomous e-JEST is preparing to begin operations in the United States in collaboration with Karsan's technology partner ADASTEC, North American distributor Damera, and autonomous service orchestration partner Beep. The order for 10 autonomous e-JESTs from the US demonstrates not only Karsan's technological prowess but also the success of its global, trust-based partnerships. As part of these partnerships, the first autonomous e-JESTs are planned to begin open-air service in the Atlanta area and central Florida in 2026.
Okan Baş emphasized that Karsan is a proven global brand with its small electric bus platform: “The JEST model family, born in 2016, quickly became a symbol of trust and success in urban public transportation. Our JEST model, which has achieved strong sales success in Europe and other markets with over 10,000 units produced, is the leader in its class in the 6-meter (19-foot) electric segment. With its compact design, environmentally friendly structure, and high maneuverability, JEST has become a true gamechanger in public transportation. Furthermore, we have gained real-world operational experience with the autonomous e-ATAK model for over four years and have successfully tested it in various markets.”
Commenting on the matter, Deniz Çetin, Deputy General Manager of Global Commercial Affairs at Karsan, said, “The first Autonomous e-JEST projects in the US are a concrete reflection of Karsan’s global vision. We are proud to bring the experience we have gained over the years in autonomous mobility by transporting ticketed passengers in autonomous driving mode in open traffic to the US. These collaborations are a valuable step that reinforces the transformational power of our brand on a global scale.” ADASTEC CEO Dr. Ali Peker said, “After successfully completing more than 150 kilometers of autonomous driving on public roads under real-world conditions and safely transporting 60 passengers, ADASTEC’s technology is ready for the next step. With the new Autonomous e-JEST model, made autonomous by ADASTEC, offered through Karsan’s official distributor Damera Corp, and supported by Beep’s Service Orchestrator Partnership, we will make a real contribution to US public transportation through our applications in the Atlanta region and Florida, advancing autonomous mobility at a safe and production level.”
“This milestone represents a significant moment in the evolution of shared autonomous mobility across the US and globally,” said Kevin Reid, Beep CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Through our collaboration with Karsan, Damera, and ADASTEC, we have delivered a proven, automotive-grade platform ready to meet the demands of transportation operators seeking scalable and reliable autonomous solutions.”
Karsan Autonomous e-JEST: A New Era in Urban Transportation
Karsan's e-JEST electric minibus, the Level 4 autonomous driving technology version of the e-JEST, has been Europe's most popular minibus for the last five years. The Autonomous e-JEST brings future standards to urban living with its compact dimensions and advanced technology. The 6-meter-long model, boasting a 135 kilowatt-hour engine, stands out in its US-specific version with a 16-passenger capacity, an 88 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, a 210-kilometer range, and a fast charging feature that takes just 1 hour and 25 minutes. Thanks to its independent suspension system, the Autonomous e-JEST offers a driving experience comparable to the comfort of a car, combining comfort and technology in urban transportation.
The autonomous e-JEST maximizes safety with its advanced sensing suite of 23 sensors that scan its surroundings 360 degrees. This system, comprised of LiDAR, radar, GNSS, and cameras, analyzes data from all directions and makes every decision, from lane keeping to turn timing, with AI-powered precision. Providing full visibility even in blind spots, the system instantly detects and responds to pedestrians, cyclists, or sudden movements, creating a safety shield that leaves no room for human error. No detail is overlooked in busy city traffic, because road safety is now under the control of the autonomous e-JEST.
Fully compliant with FMVSS and ADA standards for the American market, the Karsan Autonomous e-JEST has successfully completed the rigorous Altoona testing and is now available as an OEM model ready for mass production. More than 10 JESTs have been produced to date, with over 1.000 of these electric versions currently serving on the roads of Europe, North America, and Japan. This deep-rooted production heritage and global experience embody the Autonomous e-JEST's proven reliability, high service efficiency, and long-lasting performance in real-world conditions.
