Karsan with Dana for Atak electric version. Mass production from 2019

Karsan Atak will be soon produced in electric version, fitted with Dana TM4 SUMO MD electric motor and inverter. Turkish bus builder is indeed cooperating with Dana Incorporated. Karsan has been developing sustainable electric-driven vehicles since 2015 and introduced its first prototype electric minibus, the Karsan Jest, in 2016. The complete electric version of Karsan Atak with 8 meters of length was presented to the customer for the first time in IAA. Mass production is expected to start in 2019.

Electric midibus on Atak’s platform

The electrified bus, whose production is underway, is based on the Karsan Atak eight-meter low-entry bus platform. The TM4 SUMO MD is composed of a high-torque, permanent magnet variable reluctance (PMVR) direct drive motor and automotive-grade power electronics, the companies explain in a press release. Both companies also stresses that the new motor can deliver 45 percent more torque and operating speed than previous motors in the same compact package, while reducing cost.

Dana provides also the vehicle control software

PMVR, Dana points out in a press release, works by adding specially-designed soft magnetic composites (SMCs) next to the magnets. SMCs are produced through a new forming process and fabrication method by TM4. The SMCs also allows the use of simpler and smaller magnets that are easier to manufacture and that uses less rare-earth in the fabrication process to account for 25 percent savings in magnetic material. According to Karsan, manufacturer of light commercial vehicles, shuttle buses, and city buses, this new bus platform will be able to operate with a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge. Dana is also a key contributor in the development of the vehicle control software, through the supply of hardware and services related to its TM4 NEURO 200 vehicle control unit platform and SynApps development tool.

Karsan aims to Western markets

With 230 kW of power, 2400 Nm of torque-producing fully-electrical silent motor with zero carbon-emission, gives no lack of performance, even in such road conditions with %25 of slope, Karsan says in a press release. Its battery system of 5×44 kWh and 300 km of range, developed by BMW can be recharged fully in 2,5 hours. An electric controlled air suspension system is also provided for settling the coachwork height in Karsan Atak Electric. It also has a panoramic windscreen, ergonomic cockpit, and a full digital cluster screen to provide comfort for the driver, as well as a capacity of 57 passengers. Karsan CEO Okan Baş, who stated that the advanced technology in Karsan Atak Electric model promises high efficiency and comfort, said: “Our primary goal for Atak Electric, which we firstly announced in IAA Hannover Expo, is to reach the market of the Western Europe countries.”

Karsan moving towards electrification

Karsan, a manufacturer of light commercial vehicles, shuttle buses, and city buses, introduced its first prototype electric minibus, the Karsan JEST, in 2016. “Globalization, increased environmental concerns, and the need to reduce operating costs continue to drive our innovative thinking,” said Christophe Dominiak, chief technology officer for Dana.  “As Dana expands its capabilities and the scope of product offerings for electric vehicles, we are pleased to be working with industry leaders like Karsan, which has extensive vehicle development and manufacturing expertise.”