Karsan e-JEST microbus makes UK debut with EVM as supplier
The Karsan e-JEST battery-electric microbus made its UK debut at Euro Bus Expo, with EVM to act as the Turkish manufacturer's supply partner here and in Ireland.
Karsan promises a 12-seat, energy-efficient option for low-demand and demand responsive services with a claimed range of 210km. The e-JEST is 5.9m long, 2.1m wide and 2.8m high. In right-hand drive form it has 10 fixed and two tip-up seats, along with space for five standing passengers.
Karsan Chief Commercial Officer Deniz Cetin says that the e-JEST was “born as a small city bus” but adds that it will also suit rural use. Deployment overnight on fixed-route usage in lieu of larger vehicles is also cited as a possible use by the manufacturer.
The e-JEST is a fully integral vehicle and comes with a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty. It has hydraulic brakes and includes BMW technology in the driveline that utilises an 88kWh battery and a 135kW motor. Maximum speed is 50mph and the model can climb a 25% grade.
DC charging at 80kW is possible alongside a 22kW AC connection. Mr Cetin says that Karsan has sold 700 e-JESTs globally. Debut in the UK following a first in right-hand drive in Japan, with Karsan having confirmed in May that it would bring the vehicle here.
On the microbus’s small size, he adds that Karsan “is the creator of this segment” and notes that “there is nothing else like it.” The manufacturer has a long history with minibuses and has hinted that its 8m e-ATAK battery-electric small bus will follow the e-JEST into right-hand drive.
EVM Managing Director Danny McGee has welcomed the e-JEST as a further addition to the convertor and dealership’s growing line-up.
“Introduction of Karsan’s innovative electric buses aligns perfectly with EVM’s commitment to greener, more efficient travel solutions,” he says. “Together, we are set to power the future of urban mobility and transform public transport experiences.”
Mr Cetin emphasises that Karsan wants to expand its global presence further, with Australia and Malta its next right-hand drive target markets. It has already placed 1,200 electric vehicles in 23 countries.
Falcon Buses orders 13 Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV next-gen
Falcon Buses has become the first independent operator to order the next-generation Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV battery-electric single-decker.
It has signed a deal with the manufacturer for 13 examples at 10.9m and with 37 seats. They will each have 400kWh of battery storage and are part of a successful bid led by Surrey County Council to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme.
The order was confirmed at Euro Bus Expo 2024. Delivery will be in 2026 and the buses will be used on route 436 between Woking and Weybridge and route 461 between Chertsey and Kingston.
Power will be taken via the Voith Electrical Drive System. Alexander Dennis says that the Enviro200EV fleet for Falcon Buses will include its revised interior utilising warmer colour tones, distinctive styling lines and a revised surface finish to create a pleasant travelling environment.
Speaking about the order, Falcon Buses Managing Director Richard Telling says: “The Enviro200 has long been the mainstay of our services, with over 50 in operation and 15 examples added this year along to give a robust fleet that protects our bottom line.
“With this classic now upgraded for the next generation and updated with the latest zero-emission technology, and offering four more seats than other vehicles of this length, the Enviro200EV was an easy choice for us. We cannot wait to start this new chapter for our business in 2026.”
Adds Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Mark Taylor: “Our new Enviro200EV has been designed to replicate all the great features that have made the conventional Enviro200 Britain’s best-selling bus in an electric vehicle that cuts out tailpipe emissions and improves energy efficiency.
“For Falcon Buses, this means that the new zero-emission fleet will seamlessly integrate with the company’s large fleet of low-emission buses, giving driving and engineering staff alike a familiar working environment and delivering fleet benefits.
“We are really looking forward to supporting Richard and the team at Falcon Buses in their transition to zero-emission mobility.”
The Coach Travel Group orders 42 Scanias as growth on agenda
The Coach Travel Group has ordered 42 Scania Touring coaches for delivery to constituent fleets from March 2025.
Those coaches are a mix of two- and three-axle examples and all will be PSVAR compliant. The deal was announced on the second day of Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 13 November.
It comes as the group – which was formed via the merger of seven formerly independent coach operators earlier in 2024 – continues to focus on expansion. Director Matt Clayson (pictured, left), who is also Director of Readybus, says that further operator additions are “very much” on the agenda.
He adds that growth of the group’s geographic presence is an imperative, with the East Midlands, Scotland and South Wales having been identified as focus areas.
The Scania Touring order was placed after consultation with a variety of vehicle suppliers. Mr Clayson says that product availability in 2025 was among considerations, but he adds that Readybus received its first Touring in 2017 and has found the type to perform well.
Seen as important by The Coach Travel Group is the two-year repair and maintenance package that comes with new Scania coaches supplied to retail buyers. Mr Clayson says that experience at Readybus has shown that the aftersales and support network from Scania is also strong.
The Coach Travel Group CEO Tom Stables adds that purchase of coaches “is just one part of the company’s ongoing strategy to deliver unrivalled group travel experiences.” The business is also assessing products and services that will benefit safety and allow standardisation across the group.
While one coach with Readybus was recently painted into a The Coach Travel Group livery, local identities will continue. Mr Clayson says that such a step was part of a promotional move and that another coach with a different operating company may follow suit.
Speaking about the coach procurement, Scania UK Retail Sales Manager Lee Wale (pictured, second from left) says: “We are proud to be working with The Coach Travel Group. Our shared values and ability to bring people together is what makes this such a great partnership.
“This agreement showcases the synergies between the two organisations and our ambitions to do the right thing by both our customers and the environment. This is the first step on our journey to delivering a sustainable transport solution together.”
Tourings to be delivered to The Coach Travel Group will be built on the new-generation Scania chassis. Two-axle models will be powered by the DC09 engine at 360bhp, and three-axle examples using the DC13 at 410bhp.