A new electric bus powered by a BMW i3 powertrain

With a few recent supply agreements, BMW is somehow emerging as sort of an electric powertrain supplier.

The German automaker has now confirmed a deal with Turkish manufacturer Karsan to launch a new electric bus powered by a BMW i3 electric powertrain.

Today, they unveiled the vehicle called “Jest electric.”

BMW announced:

“For the first time, the electric motors and high-voltage batteries developed for the BMW i3 will be used to power a city bus made by the well-known Turkish manufacturer Karsan which is designed specifically for use in inner-city traffic.”

The company says that they can equip the vehicle with up to two BMW i3 44 kWh battery packs.

It will result in up to a 210 km range, according to BMW.

They wrote about the powertrain:

“When used on scheduled services, this means the city bus can run for 18 hours on end without an interim stop to refresh its energy supplies. The compact size of the electric motor and high-voltage battery are also advantageous in terms of interior space. Measuring some six metres in length, the Karsan Jest electric offers room for up to 26 passengers – four more than the previous conventionally powered version of the model. The city bus is fitted with low-floor technology which gives passengers with pushchairs and wheelchairs convenient access.”

Karsan says that they plan to commercialize the vehicle both domestically and in international markets.

This supply agreement follows similar deals that BMW i has made with companies to supply electric powertrains, including one with DHL for the streetscooter and a new electric boat powered by BMW i3 battery packs.

Uwe Breitweg, Head of BMW Group Drive Systems for Industry Clients, commented:

“Our industrial clients appreciate the easy handling of the plug-and-play technology offered by BMW i components, as well as their robustness and reliability – as demonstrated in well over 100 000 BMW i sold worldwide”,

Here’s a video from the launch of the new fleet: