Oakville's Electrification Experience with Karsan eJEST

Jan 14, 2025
Electric Autonomy
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Oakville Transit's Electrification Story: A Model for Success


Oakville Transit's electrification story is a great example of public-transit fleet electrification. In early 2023 Oakville Transit’s 15 20-foot-long Karsan eJest zero-emission buses hit the streets.


Leading the Way in Electrification

Oakville has established itself as a trailblazer in transit electrification, becoming one of the first cities to move beyond pilot programs and significantly expand its electric bus fleet. This forward-thinking initiative showcases Oakville’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, embracing modern technology to create a cleaner, more efficient transit system. By taking bold steps, the city has demonstrated its dedication to environmental stewardship and its role as a forward-thinking community focused on the future. The city became the 47th municipal government in Canada to declare a climate emergency.

Why Oakville Is an Ideal Candidate for Electric Transit

Oakville’s unique characteristics make it a prime candidate for electric transit. As a higher-income community, it has the financial resources and public support to fund green initiatives. Its location, offering EV-friendly commute distances to key employment hubs, reduces range concerns and enhances the efficiency of electric buses. Combined with Oakville’s climate action goals, these factors create a strong foundation for successful electrification.

The Role of Funding in Fleet Electrification

Securing grants and funding is essential for advancing the electrification of large fleets, as it provides the financial support needed to overcome the higher upfront costs associated with zero-emission vehicles and the infrastructure required to operate them. Programs like the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) enable transit agencies to purchase electric buses, build charging infrastructure, and implement necessary technological upgrades.

Oakville received over $48 million in funding from the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). This substantial investment not only supported the purchase of 74 electric buses (out of a fleet of 135 vehicles) but also covers a comprehensive range of initiatives, including the initial needs assessment, the development of custom scheduling software, installation of depot charging infrastructure for a fully electrified fleet, IT system upgrades, accessibility improvements, and enhancements to public communication systems.This funding underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving sustainable public transit solutions.

Adrian Kawun, Director of Oakville Transit, shared with Electric Autonomy: “Buying the buses was the easy thing. It’s everything behind the scenes that needs to happen, which is the hardest part to do.”

The Benefits of Electric Buses and Pilot Projects


Every electrification project demands meticulous preparation and years of effort, but the benefits make it well worth it. Electric buses are more sustainable, offer lower operational and maintenance costs, and provide a modern, quiet ride that attracts more riders—key to making transit systems successful.

Pilot projects are powerful tools for testing and validating the potential of electric transit. Oakville Transit’s electrification journey began with a pilot program featuring the Karsan eJEST. Smaller vehicles like the eJEST are particularly well-suited for such initiatives because they require less upfront investment while providing a tangible "taste" of what electrification can achieve, as Adrian Kawun highlighted.

The compact size and operational flexibility of the eJEST make it a cost-effective solution, particularly for communities with low ridership. Its high capacity utilization ensures an efficient allocation of resources, while its comfortable design encourages more people to choose public transit. The eJEST’s features, such as four-wheel independent suspension, a silent ride, and amenities like smartphone charging, provide a car-like experience that enhances passenger satisfaction. Additionally, Damera's offering of vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the travel experience by providing a modern, connected environment.

Photo Credit: Jan Boić


Community Excitement and Positive Feedback

Photo Credit: Jan Boić , Transit Operator, The Town of Oakville

It’s wonderful to see that Adrian Kawun, observed a positive reaction from the community to the introduction of the Karsan eJEST. As he stated to Electric Autonomy: “People literally stop in their tracks and start taking pictures. There’s a huge excitement about it”. We are also deeply grateful to transit enthusiasts for sharing their videos and their reactions(included in this article). Their feedback helps us better understand the impact the Karsan eJEST is making, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable transit solutions.

Coupled with transit agencies' initiatives to simplify payments and develop user-friendly apps, the Karsan eJEST is becoming a more appealing choice for passengers These innovations not only make public transit more convenient and enjoyable but also underscore the potential of broader electrification strategies to modernize and elevate the future of transit.

Damera Corporation: Your Partner in Electrification

As the exclusive distributor in North America, Damera Corporation is fully prepared to support the electrification journey by providing excellent buses, reliable charging solutions, and the expertise needed to ensure seamless implementation.

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Video credits are listed on YouTube.

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