Karsan has introduced its Autonomous e-ATAK electric bus to Italy following its deployment in Spain.
The company provided participants with the opportunity to experience the capabilities of the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK through a test drive organised by SASA, the public transportation authority of Bolzano, Italy.
This initiative represents a significant step in the development of autonomous public transportation in Europe.
Karsan’s Autonomous e-ATAK is the world’s first Level-4 public transportation vehicle. Its test drive in Bolzano, Italy was conducted at the Vadena Safety Park Circuit, a facility designed for safe driving simulations and advanced automation tests.
The test drive demonstrated the autonomous capabilities of the e-ATAK in a controlled environment, allowing stakeholders to observe its performance in different traffic scenarios. The vehicle operated without a driver, showcasing its ability to handle complex manoeuvres, such as navigating tight corners and ensuring stable operation. Officials in attendance were this able to assess the technology’s potential for integration into public transport networks.
The Autonomous e-ATAK was developed in partnership with ADASTEC and has already operated in various international locations including the USA, Norway, France, Romania, Finland, and Turkey. Karsan now plans to expand its rollout further by delivering vehicles to Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden in the first half of 2025.
The vehicle integrates LiDAR, Radar, RGB Cameras, GNSS, and advanced sensors to enable precise navigation and situational awareness. The bus is designed to operate in various weather conditions, both day and night, at speeds of up to 40 km/h. It autonomously manages essential transit operations, including approaching stops, handling passenger boarding and disembarking, and navigating intersections and traffic signals without human intervention.
The 8.3-metre-long bus provides a high-capacity and sustainable solution for urban transportation needs. Its battery can be fully charged in five hours using AC units or in three hours with DC units, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous service availability.
With ongoing advancements in autonomous transport technology, Karsan’s continued expansion into European markets reflects the growing interest in sustainable and intelligent public transit solutions. The introduction of the Autonomous e-ATAK in Italy represents another step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday urban mobility systems.
