29 Otokar Microbuses to Italian Public Transportation

Otokar, a Koç Group company, continues to be a part of the sustainable transformation of public transportation across Europe with its environment-friendly vehicles. Currently providing comfortable and safe transportation for millions of passengers in nearly 60 countries with tens of thousands of buses, Otokar received an order for 29 electric e-Centro microbuses from Italy. As a new favorite of public transportation with its design and features, e-Centro will be used in Rome, Syracuse, Salerno, Reggio Calabria, Cagliari, and Palermo.

Otokar, the leader of the Turkish bus market with sustainable and environment-friendly transportation solutions, continues to play a pioneering role in the green transformation of public transportation. Otokar’s 6.6-meter electric microbus e-Centro is designed to contribute to a cleaner environment and quieter traffic. With its lower operating costs and higher efficiency e-Centro will support zero emission transformation of public transportation in Italy. It will begin to operate on the streets of Rome at the beginning of 2024 and will be later delivered to the bus operators in Syracuse, Salerno, Reggio Calabria, Cagliari and Palermo in the second half of 2024.

Stating that Otokar e-Centro optimally meets the needs in public transportation, Kerem Erman, Head of Otokar Commercial Vehicles, said, “With a wide electric bus family ranging from 6mt to 19mt, we offer solutions to the diverse public transportation requirements in Europe. We are thrilled to bring our e-Centro microbus to Italy, a uniquely beautiful country with a rich historical heritage, and contribute to the transformation of public transportation. e-Centro comes to the forefront with its powerful electric motor, low energy consumption, high durability, superior maneuverability, comfort, low floor design, spacious interiors, high safety equipment and smart software. It offers a solution to modern, environment-friendly and efficient public transportation services. We are confident that it will be a favorite of sustainable transportation in Italy.”

ZERO EMISSION, SILENT TRAFFIC
With its compact size, Otokar e-CENTRO offers an environment-friendly and accessible solution to historical districts and touristic areas of cities with narrow streets and zero emission zones. The 6.6mt e-CENTRO, powered by an electric motor with a maximum power of 200 kW and a maximum torque of 1200 Nm, does not compromise performance even on the steepest hills. The 110 kW Li-ion NMC batteries of the lightweight microbus can be fully charged in as short as 1.5 hours, offering a range of up to 200 km on a single charge. And a regenerative braking feature enables up to 25% energy recovery from braking and deceleration in urban traffic. Otokar e-CENTRO provides a comfortable ride for all passengers, including people with disabilities or those with strollers.