Smarter Future for Suburban Transit

Transit agencies today are under increasing pressure to deliver efficient, inclusive, and sustainable service — especially in communities where traditional large buses are underutilized. At Damera, our mission is to support agencies in navigating this evolving landscape by offering not just innovative electric vehicles, but the operational foundation to help reduce costs and build long-term service reliability.

In March 2025, we put the Karsan eJEST to the test in a suburban setting, measuring performance, energy efficiency, and community feedback. The results confirmed what we’ve seen across many projects: the eJEST delivers real-world value that helps transit networks grow smarter and more responsive.

‍

A Real-World Test: March 2025, Mississauga

During a 3-hour, 40-minute operational session in Mississauga, we closely monitored the vehicle’s performance while it was unloaded and used for a controlled demonstration and photoshoot. The route included typical urban driving conditions with moderate speeds, slower movement through suburban areas, and frequent stops. All onboard systems — HVAC, lighting, and digital displays — were active throughout.

‍

📊 Battery Performance:

• Start Charge: 99% (≈ 207.9 km range)
• End Charge: 88% (≈ 184.8 km range)
• Range Used: 23.1 km
• Average energy use: 6.3 km/hour

Despite not being in full-service operation, the eJEST demonstrated strong energy retention, highlighting its efficiency and confirming it does not suffer from significant passive battery drain, even when auxiliary systems are running.

‍

💼 Projected Full-Load Capability

Based on industry-typical energy increases under full passenger load (approximately 20%), we estimated that:

• Energy use would increase to: ~7.6 km/hour
• Range used over 8 hours: ~60.8 km

Given its full range of 210 km, the eJEST is more than capable of handling an 8-hour duty cycle, with additional room for opportunity charging or unexpected route extensions.

‍

Building the Right Charging Ecosystem

Reliable electric transit requires more than a great vehicle — it needs smart infrastructure. As part of our full-service approach, Damera usually offers a mix of fast and Level 2 charging stations to support transit electrification projects, for example:

• ChargePoint Express 250 units (DC fast chargers)
• Charge Point CPF50 chargers (Level 2 for overnight charging)

We partner with trusted providers like ABB, Siemens-Heliox, and ChargePoint to deliver tailored solutions that balance fast daytime top-ups with gentler overnight charging — helping preserve battery health and maximize uptime.

‍

Public Perception that Supports Ridership

One of the most powerful insights came from the people who experienced the eJEST firsthand. During our test, families and residents in suburban neighborhoods consistently approached our team, asking if this bus would be serving their local area.

They praised its modern look, quiet operation, and small, neighborhood-friendly size — exactly the kind of feedback that transit agencies need to validate microtransit and on-demand service models.

When public transit feels safe, modern, and easy to use, people are more likely to adopt it — and agencies are better positioned to secure funding, grow ridership, and meet long-term sustainability goals.

‍

Why Karsan eJEST Is the Right Choice for Transit Operators

The Karsan eJEST is more than just a compact electric bus — it’s a platform for building smarter, community-first mobility:

• ✅ Compact, accessible, and zero-emission
• ✅ Quiet operation and energy-efficient performance
• ✅ Regenerative braking that extends range during stop-and-go service
• ✅ Proven 12+ year life cycle and reliable North American support
• ✅ Designed to support flexible routes, on-demand service, and first/last-mile connections

‍

Partner With Damera

We support transit agencies from concept to launch — helping them choose the right vehicle, install charging infrastructure, train teams, and maintain long-term performance.

Looking to bring a modern, electric solution to your community?
Let’s build it together. Contact Damera to schedule a demo or start a consultation.

‍

‍