Karsan Launches autonomous e-ATAK for Driverless Transport in Switzerland

Karsan's Autonomous e-ATAK, Switzerland's first driverless bus, will begin operations in Arbon in January 2025.

Bursa, Türkiye- Karsan Otomotiv Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş., (Karsan), an electrifying and automating public transport, is expanding its reach to Switzerland. The Autonomous e-ATAK, Developed with ADASTEC, the first Level-4 driverless bus on a planned route, will become Switzerland's first driverless bus, serving the historic city of Arbon. The vehicle will be delivered in December and start operations in January 2025 under Eurobus Ostschweiz AG.

Mr. Okan Baş, Karsan CEO, said, "Our Autonomous e-ATAK offers a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience, perfectly suited to the historic streets of Arbon with its compact design. We're proud to lead Switzerland's transition to driverless public transport, with our autonomous vehicle now serving a 2.2-kilometer route. Following our initial entry into the Swiss market with the Jest, we are strengthening our presence by delivering 23 electric vehicles to one of the country's largest operators. We are transforming global transportation infrastructure, particularly in Europe, with our electric and autonomous vehicles. Our reach extends from Japan to the USA, covering every aspect from design to after-sales. The Autonomous e-ATAK, a trailblazer in Europe as the first autonomous vehicle to navigate open city traffic and pass through a tunnel, exemplifies our vision of being one step ahead in the future of mobility.

Dr. Ali Peker, ADASTEC CEO, said, "Our collaboration has led to significant milestones, including Europe's first autonomous public transport operation in Stavanger and the deployment of the USA's first automated bus at Michigan State University. These achievements mark important steps towards a smarter, more connected, and sustainable future. We are now enhancing public transport in Arbon, Norway, Rotterdam, Finland, and beyond. Thanks to the contributions of TGA and Eurobus, we continue to lead innovation in public transport, delivering global solutions that create local benefits."

Karsan is revolutionizing public transport with its Autonomous e-ATAK, now operating in eight countries. The e-ATAK automated bus on a 5-kilometer route at Michigan State University, USA, and has been carrying ticketed passengers in Stavanger, Norway, since 2022, including navigating a tunnel a European first. With operations in Finland, France, Romania, Türkiye, and an upcoming project in Rotterdam, Karsan has achieved 80,000 kilometers of autonomous driving, transporting over 30,000 passengers.

Next, Karsan is set to launch Switzerland's first driverless bus in Arbon under the SCCL project, with services beginning in January 2025. The Autonomous e-ATAK features cutting-edge technology, including LiDAR sensors, advanced radar, high-resolution cameras, and thermal imaging, enabling it to operate at up to 50 km/h in all weather conditions. This Level-4 autonomous vehicle can manage all driving tasks, from docking at stops to navigating traffic, ensuring a seamless and safe passenger experience.

About Karsan:

Karsan, with 58 years in the Turkish automotive industry,  a multi-brand vehicle manufacturer. Its Hasanağa Plant produces up to 20,000 vehicles annually. Key models include the e-JEST and e-ATAK, with innovations like the world’s first Level-4 autonomous bus and the e-ATA HYDROGEN. Karsan recently entered the Japanese market with its right-hand drive e-JEST.