Sustainable Transit Bus with a Longer Life-Cycle

In a groundbreaking move, the Karsan eJEST is revolutionizing suburban transit in the City of Eagan, USA, through its first-ever revenue-producing vehicle demo. Noted by Eagan City Council Member Gary Hansen, who also serves on the MVTA Board, the electric minibus is gaining traction among residents, providing on-demand service via MVTA Connect. This service offers low-cost transportation directly to desired destinations, facilitated by the MVTA smartphone app for easy ordering. It was presented to city officials and the media on March 2,3 2023 at the MVTA Eagan Bus Garage.

Dan Rudiger, director of transportation for the MVT showed off ZEB eJEST at the MVTA
“This is the first one in service in the United States.”


"MVTA explore additional sustainable transit options. Residents care about our natural environment, and as a city, we and other partner agencies are reflecting that by prioritizing sustainability efforts”, said Joe Ellickson, spokesperson for the city of Eagan.

“Public transit agencies play a critical role in helping to achieve a cleaner environment,” said Gary Hansen, Eagan City Council Member.

“MVTA is taking bold steps to both reduce our carbon footprint and improve the rider experience by piloting this electric minibus.”
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“I’m excited to see the agency play a leading role in the industry, and I look forward to seeing how this vehicle and those that follow will help MVTA meet its climate impact and service goals.”

“There’s a pathway politically to being more environmentally friendly right now with going to electric vehicles, and we (MVTA) are kind of on the edge right now with exploring that,” said Dick Crawford, MVTA spokesperson.

“Electric buses really are the wave of the future,” said MVTA CEO Luther Wynder. He says it’s not a matter of what powers it, but the lower maintenance and wear and tear on electric vehicles.

“This vehicle here, it’s very economical. This could be a 12-year vehicle, as opposed to our smaller buses, which are a seven-year vehicle, with a minimal increase in overall price.”

The bus has had a taste of Minnesota winter and traffic in the first weeks of the demo, and Dan Rudiger, director of transportation for the MVTA, says it’s been sure-footed and reliable so far. It has front-wheel drive, a definite plus for snowy roads. “It stuck to the road like glue. We were very impressed about how well it handled in snow,” Dan Rudiger said. City Council Member Gary Hansen said: “It’s easily accessible, accommodating those with mobility challenges, and its drivers are complementary of how well it handles".

“The reaction we’re getting from customers ... they're like, ‘it's so neat,” Rudiger said. MVTA operators appreciate the panoramic windshield, onboard LED lighting, the location of the driver’s seat (above the tires), and the turning radius, MVTA said. Passengers can expect a smooth, quiet ride with grab bars that allow for ease in boarding, they said.

“The charge can run up to eight hours potentially although it depends on the operator,” Dan Rudiger, director of transportation for the MVTA said.

“Regenerative breaking means if you let your foot off the gas pedal when you are driving downhill, it recharges the battery when it goes downhill.”

During testing, the bus has returned from a four-hour drive with 50% charge life.

“If the demo goes well, we will look at moving to a pilot and a pilot may be three to five buses,” Rudiger said.

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eJest Minibus was also transported to Washington, D.C. to be on display at the American Public Transit Association legislative conference in Washington, D.C., where government transportation teams will discuss ways to increase the “Buy America” percentages for the bus. “Part of this Washington, D.C. trip is looking for waiver from the U.S. to get it over here sooner with a plan that may be finding a way at having parts or a facility to build them here” - Dan Rudiger.

The eJEST's on-demand service addresses the need for public transportation in low-ridership areas, eliminating long waiting times for buses. Passengers experience a quiet and smooth ride, complemented by Wi-Fi options and USB charging ports. The innovative "cutaway" chassis design features a central ramp, ensuring easy boarding and wheelchair access.

Technical Highlights of eJEST:

• Powered by BMW, the eJEST accommodates up to 22 passengers.
• Single Li-ion 44 kWh battery provides a range of 105 km, doubled to 210 km with the 88 kWh option.
• Nighttime charging takes two hours for the single battery and four hours for the double, with an additional 55 minutes for quick daytime charging.
• Compatible with Level 2 AC/DC and Level 3 DC charging, supporting advanced and fast charging.
• Regenerative braking system contributes to an impressive range by recovering up to 25% of kinetic energy.

Positive Feedback and Future Plans:

• Residents and operators appreciate the eJEST's panoramic windshield, LED lighting, driver's seat location above the tires, and turning radius.
• The eJEST has proved reliable in Minnesota winter conditions, showcasing its sure-footed performance in snow.
• MVTA explores sustainable transit options, with the electric minibus contributing to reduced carbon footprint and improved rider experience.
• CEO Luther Wynder emphasizes the economic benefits of electric vehicles, foreseeing the eJEST as a long-lasting, cost-effective solution.

The eJEST's successful demo in Eagan opens doors to potential pilot projects, reflecting the growing interest and positive impact of electric buses in suburban transit. Stay tuned for further developments as the eJEST makes waves in the sustainable transit landscape.