Autonomous bus service initiates with Karsan vehicles in Gothenburg
In a groundbreaking development for Sweden's public transportation sector, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK electric bus has commenced passenger operations in Gothenburg. This marks the first use of a series-produced Level 4 autonomous bus in the country.
The bus will run on a 4-kilometer route between Gothenburg Central Station and Liseberg Station, serving seven stops in the Gårda district. The service, operated by Vy Buss under contract with Västtrafik, the regional public transport authority, offers a safe and seamless journey with ADASTEC's Level-4 autonomous driving technology.
The Autonomous e-ATAK is equipped with a sensor package including LiDAR, radar, cameras, and GNSS for navigation and situational awareness. Powered by a 220 kWh battery, the bus can be recharged in around five hours using AC charging or three hours using DC charging.
Karsan, the main backer of this autonomous e-ATAK bus, is a Turkish automotive manufacturer that has supplied over 2,000 electric vehicles in 27 countries. The Autonomous e-ATAK is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and the complexity of urban traffic, making it ideal for urban transit operations.
The goal of this project is to transform autonomous public transportation services into a meaningful service for current and future societies. By testing autonomous technology under regular urban traffic conditions for one year, the project aims to contribute significantly to Sweden's future mobility ecosystem.
The service is more than just a step towards autonomous transportation; it's a significant contribution to promoting sustainable cities and inclusive public transportation. The Autonomous e-ATAK, in collaboration with Karsan, demonstrates the maturity and reliability of the technology used in Level-4 public transportation services.
This is a milestone in Sweden's journey towards a future where autonomous vehicles play a significant role in public transportation. The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK electric bus, now in service in Gothenburg, is part of a larger effort to transport people and promote sustainable cities and inclusive public transportation.
