Hannover Region Begins Autonomous Bus Pilot in Mixed Traffic

Image source: Karsan

Published on May 26, 2025

The Hannover Region has launched a pilot project testing an autonomous electric bus in Burgdorf. The Karsan Autonomous e-Atak, an 8-meter vehicle equipped with Adastec’s Level-4 automation technology, will operate on a 7-kilometer route in mixed traffic, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h.

The bus will serve 13 stops, navigate intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings without a driver, though safety personnel will monitor operations. With 22 seats and a 300-kilometer range, the trial aims to assess real-world performance ahead of a public phase planned for late 2025.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with €3.7 million, the project is managed by transport operator ÜSTRA. Karsan’s autonomous buses are already in use in Norway and Finland, with another deployment set for Sweden later this year.

Germany’s approval marks a step forward in autonomous public transport under strict regulatory conditions.

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