Turkey's Karsan Electric Minibuses Hit the Historic Streets of Florence

Karsan, a leading Turkish automotive manufacturer, has officially introduced its 100% electric e-JEST minibuses to the streets of Florence, Italy. Manufactured in Turkey, these vehicles mark another milestone in the company’s international growth as they begin operations in Florence’s historic city center, providing eco-friendly transportation solutions.

A delivery ceremony for 12 e-JEST minibuses took place at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. Attended by Florence Mayor Sara Funaro, members of the city council, and a large number of local residents, the event highlighted the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation and the importance of integrating quieter, environmentally conscious vehicles into urban settings.

Karsan CEO Okan Bas shared insights into the company’s journey toward electric transformation, which began in late 2018. "In the first three years, we electrified all our buses ranging from 6 to 18 meters," he said. Karsan has rapidly expanded its presence across Europe since this shift, emphasizing the role of Italy as a critical market for the company. Bas added, "Italy is our hub in Europe. We have a subsidiary, Karsan Europe, headquartered in Bologna, and for three years, we have been focusing heavily on this market. While we started with small steps, we have grown significantly in this short period."

The company’s electric buses have already made their mark in Italy, operating in 11 regions and 27 cities. With a total of 250 electric vehicles across Europe, Karsan has established itself as a key player in sustainable urban transport. The minibuses in Florence will serve the city’s historic center, helping to meet the demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly public transit options.

During the ceremony, Mayor Sara Funaro highlighted the significance of these vehicles for Florence’s transportation network. She noted, "One of our administration’s priorities is to incorporate silent and environmentally sustainable vehicles. These buses, with their larger capacity, will enable more efficient transport and cater to the needs of our citizens."

The e-JEST minibuses, designed and manufactured in Turkey, combine advanced technology with compact dimensions, making them well-suited for narrow streets and urban environments. Their deployment in Florence represents not only a step forward for sustainable transit but also showcases Turkey’s capability to produce competitive, cutting-edge vehicles for international markets.

With Florence as a key location in its European strategy, Karsan continues to expand its footprint across the continent. The company’s efforts to promote electric transformation are aligned with global trends emphasizing environmental responsibility and innovative solutions for urban mobility.

This development reinforces Karsan's position as a pioneer in electric transportation and demonstrates the potential of Turkish-made products to compete in global markets.