Istanbul orders 50 AKIA Ultra LF12EV electric buses, with new charging depot planned

Turkish manufacturer AKIA announces that it has won an IETT tender to supply 50 battery-electric buses to Istanbul, with production and deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.

The Turkish manufacturer states that the contract represents the country’s first large-scale electric bus fleet procurement. The order placed by IETT General Directorate, Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Enterprises, covers 50 units of AKIA’s 12-metre Ultra LF12EV.

The vehicle deployment will be accompanied by a dedicated charging and operations depot equipped with high-capacity charging infrastructure and a centralised fleet management system.

AKIA Ultra LF12EV: 465 kWh battery and 240 kW electric motor

The Ultra LF12EV specified for Istanbul is equipped with a 465-kWh battery and a 240-kW electric motor.

The buses will also feature a telemetry system providing real-time information on battery health, energy consumption and overall fleet performance. The system is designed to allow operators to monitor the vehicles and their energy use during operation.

The accompanying depot will incorporate a central control centre from which the electric bus operation can be monitored and coordinated in real time, AKIA states.

The Ultra LF12EV measures 12 metres in length and has capacity for 80 passengers. The vehicle features a fully low-floor layout and a wheelchair ramp for passengers with reduced mobility.

ADAS and digital mirror systems for Istanbul’s new electric buses

The 50 buses will be fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The equipment specified by AKIA includes digital mirror cameras, blind-spot warning, lane monitoring, pedestrian detection and collision warning systems.

The Ultra LF12EV has already been exported to international markets, including Serbia. Following the production and delivery process scheduled to start in 2027, the new version of the model will enter passenger service in Istanbul.

AKIA describes the contract as Türkiye’s first major electric bus tender and says it will manufacture the 50 vehicles for IETT.

In brief

• How many electric buses will AKIA supply to Istanbul?
  AKIA will manufacture 50 Ultra LF12EV battery-electric buses for IETT.
• What battery and motor will the buses use?
  The 12-metre buses will feature a 465-kWh battery and a 240-kW electric motor.
• When will deliveries begin?
  Production and deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027.
• Will the project include charging infrastructure?
  Yes. A dedicated depot with high-capacity charging infrastructure and centralised fleet management is planned.