Karsan’s fully electric minibus, the e-JEST, has been added to the official reference product list of France’s Centrale d’Achat du Transport Public (CATP – Public Transport Procurement Centre).
The inclusion allows French local authorities and public transport operators to purchase the model directly for a four-year period without the need for a competitive tender process.
CATP’s system enables buyers to save time on administrative procedures while benefiting from fixed contract pricing. This framework is intended to support the uptake of vehicles that meet public transport requirements in urban and regional areas.
Karsan has been present in the French market for several years through its authorised distributor, HCI, based near Nantes. According to the company, more than 250 e-JEST vehicles are already in service across France, including in city centres and smaller municipalities.
The e-JEST is designed as a compact, battery-electric minibus, making it suitable for routes with narrow streets or reduced passenger demand. The vehicle is equipped with BMW-supplied electric technology and offers a driving range of up to 210 kilometres on a single charge. It can accommodate 22 passengers, including provisions for disabled access, and is capable of handling gradients of up to 25 percent.
Karsan regards France as a priority market in Europe, and the company states that inclusion in the CATP catalogue supports its strategy of expanding within the region.
Karsan CEO Okan Baş said:France is one of our priority markets, strategically important for Karsan's growth journey in Europe, where we are very strong and aim to grow even further. Today, there are more than 250 e-JEST vehicles in the country. This is not just a numerical success; it is also a concrete reflection of the sustainable, innovative, and user-friendly solutions we offer.
