ADASTEC Introduces SAE Level-4 Driving to Germany with the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK in Project albus

ADASTEC brings SAE Level-4 automated driving to Germany with the deployment of the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK in Hannover’s Project albus. Operating on a 7-kilometer route with real-world traffic conditions, this is the first full-size automated bus of its kind in the country.

ADASTEC Introduces SAE Level-4 Driving to Germany with the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK in Project albus

Hannover, Germany – ADASTEC, a global leader in SAE Level-4 automated driving software, brings its proven real-world expertise to Project albus, which marks a significant step towards the future of transportation technologies, Project albus is hosting the first deployment of a full-size 8-meter SAE Level-4 automated bus with more than 20 seats in Germany. Karsan’s Autonomous e-ATAK comes equipped with its technology provider ADASTEC’s advanced sensor suite and flowride.ai platform as part of its original design. Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, the world's first Level-4 automated electric bus, developed by Karsan together with its technology partner ADASTEC, has already been deployed across 11 countries and in 12 projects since 2022.

 
“This deployment reflects our vision of making advanced mobility a reliable and accessible part of daily life,” said Dr. Ali Peker, CEO of ADASTEC. “With years of successful and ongoing operations on open public roads across Europe and the United States, and with our first KBA testing approval in Germany, we are proud to bring our experience and proven technology to Hannover. This deployment marks a meaningful step forward in our mission to deliver intelligent and inclusive transportation. We sincerely thank our albus project partners for their trust and collaboration throughout this journey.”

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A Smart Mobility Milestone for Hannover


This deployment demonstrates the real-world readiness of SAE Level-4 public transit systems, particularly in dense urban areas like Hannover. Now operating on Line 906 in the Burgdorf district, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK runs along a 7-kilometer route in Burgdorf, Hannover. During its operation on the line, it serves 13 bus stops, navigates 10 traffic lights, and handles complex urban scenarios including side and parallel parking, roundabouts, and crosswalks. Operated by ÜSTRA, the bus maintains a consistent speed of 40 kilometers per hour through mixed traffic conditions.

Steffen Krach, President of the Hannover Region, shared his perspective on the albus project:
“I am delighted that we in the Hannover region are once again leading the way in Germany when it comes to public transport innovation. We recently demonstrated this with the sprinti, and now we are continuing with the albus project. No other project in Germany is putting an autonomous bus of this size on the road. Public transport is key to climate-friendly mobility for everyone, and autonomous driving can play a supporting role. We hope that this scientifically monitored pilot will provide valuable insights into whether, and in what form, autonomous driving can be useful for our public transport system in the future.”

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The project is supported by key regional partners including Region Hannover, ÜSTRA/Regiobus, SLB (Steuern Lenken Bauen),  Technische Universität Braunschweig, which will monitor and analyze vehicle performance to support ongoing research and development. This research was funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of Germany (BMDV) on the basis of a decision of the German Bundestag as part of the project albus. We also thank the project partners for their contributions.

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ADASTEC Receives Its First KBA Testing Approval for Full-Size SAE Level-4 Automated Bus in Germany

In a significant regulatory breakthrough, ADASTEC has received its first testing approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for its SAE Level-4 automated driving system. The approval was granted for ADASTEC’s automated driving software platform, flowride.ai, which is factory-fitted into the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, a full-size 8 meter electric bus, confirming compliance with Germany’s rigorous standards for public road testing. This KBA testing approval also provides critical insights into the further development and broader deployment of ADASTEC’s automated driving software solutions, helping bring the technology closer to market maturity.

From Evaluation to Public Service

The initial stage of the deployment will focus on a registered user group to enable real time feedback on passenger experience, accessibility, and ride comfort. In the following phase, Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK will operate in parallel with existing services on Route 906, using controlled entry systems and clearly marked vehicle signage to inform passengers about the nature of the trial operation. (Subject to obtaining further regulatory approvals, including L4 type approval for operation.)
This KBA testing approval marks an important step in Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK’s  expansion into Germany, providing critical insights for further development and broader deployment of its already field-proven automated driving solutions.

Scaling Innovation Across Global Deployments

With this new deployment, Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK,  has been deployed in real-world conditions across 11 countries and in 12 operations across diverse geographies. These include urban districts, airport corridors, university campuses, and regions with adverse weather conditions, highlighting the adaptability and maturity of ADASTEC’s SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform. The Hannover launch strengthens Autonomous e-ATAK’s presence in Central Europe and supports its goal of enabling intelligent transit in both dense urban centers and underserved areas.

A Vision Beyond Automation
“Our launch in Hannover is not just a technical deployment, it is a signal that Level-4 public transport is ready for wide scale adoption,” added Dr. Ali Peker. “Achieving KBA testing approval is a major endorsement of our platform’s safety and reliability, and we are proud to bring this innovation to Germany with our trusted partners.”

By combining technology, regulation, and inclusivity, ADASTEC contributes to shaping the next chapter of public transportation in Europe.
From sustainable city transport to inclusive community access, ADASTEC continue to lead the global transition to smart mobility, delivering scalable, factory-fitted, and regulation compliant SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform that is built for real-world service.