Turkey unveils its first fully homegrown electric bus

Avenue EV, Turkey's first fully domestic made electric bus, was unveiled at a ceremony at the Sabancı Center yesterday.

The program was attended by Turkey's Science, Industry and Technology Minister Faruk Özlü, CEO of Sabancı Holding Zafer Kurtul, Turkish Armed Forces Foundation General Manager Orhan Akbaş and ASELSAN Deputy Chairman Murat Üçüncü.

Jointly produced by Turkey's leading bus manufacturer TEMSA and the country's biggest defense electronic systems producer (ASELSAN), Avenue EV stands out because of its environmentally-friendly and innovative features. It was developed using 100 percent locally sourced parts and machinery.

Fully charged in 8 minutes

Giving the environment utmost priority and considering global needs, Avenue EV runs on electricity, a sustainable energy source, instead of fossil fuels. It offers uninterrupted service through charging at bus stops in a very short time, thanks to its ability to fully recharge its batteries in just eight minutes.

The eco-friendly bus with electric traction system and zero carbon emission is also quiet, comfortable, high-performance and equipped with all the latest technology.

The passenger cabin offers air conditioning, in-vehicle internet and data connection as well as a comfortable ride in both hot and cold weather. Avenue EV can accommodate 35 seated passengers, 52 on foot and one in a wheelchair.

With its large interior space, the bus can offer services without the need for maintenance for a long time, thanks to a high-efficiency domestic electric traction system developed by ASELSAN. The bus can travel 50-70 kilometers on a single charge.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Sabancı Holding CEO Zafer Kurtul said the homegrown electric bus is a high-tech, clean and quiet urban inner-city public transport solution which can meet transportation needs in modern cities. He added: "Completely developed by Turkish engineers, Avenue EV stands out with its high efficiency, lightweight, 100 percent domestic traction system. This successful business cooperation between TEMSA and ASELSAN gives us great pride."

Science, Industry and Technology Minister Özlü said, "Such investments are the best answer to those who are concerned about the Turkish economy."

Underlining the recent tendency to gravitate toward electric vehicles all over the world, the minister said the use of electr

ic vehicles will become mandatory in the future, especially in cities. He also encouraged municipalities to use electric buses and make it compulsory in the upcoming years.

ASELSAN General Manager Faik Eken said Avenue EV is a unique bus which can meet public transportation needs in cities. It is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and the Directorate of Technology and Innovation Support Programs (TEYDEB).

"The project is a very important example of Turkey's ability to develop its own electric vehicles, buses and automobiles," he added.