Akia Automotive Wins Istanbul Tender to Supply 50 Electric Buses

Turkish bus manufacturer Akia Automotive has secured a tender to produce 50 electric buses for service in Istanbul, with deliveries scheduled to begin next year. The company announced the contract win, marking another step in the electrification of public transport in Turkey’s largest city.

The buses will be deployed on Istanbul’s urban routes, where demand for cleaner, quieter transit is growing. Akia Automotive’s win reflects a broader trend across Europe and the Middle East, where municipalities are increasingly turning to battery-electric buses to cut emissions and reduce reliance on diesel fleets. Istanbul, home to more than 15 million residents, operates one of the region’s most extensive bus networks, making the transition to electric vehicles a significant logistical and environmental undertaking.

This tender award adds to Akia Automotive’s momentum in the electric bus segment. The manufacturer, based in Turkey, has been expanding its zero-emission lineup and competing for public transport contracts both domestically and abroad. The 50 units destined for Istanbul will be produced locally, supporting jobs and supply chain development in the country’s automotive sector.

Deliveries are planned for next year, according to the company, though specific route assignments and charging infrastructure plans have not been detailed. Electric bus adoption typically requires coordinated investment in depot charging and grid capacity, and Istanbul’s size means the rollout will be closely watched by other operators considering similar moves.

The order also underscores the role of domestic manufacturers in electrifying public fleets. By sourcing from a local producer, Istanbul aims to combine environmental goals with industrial benefits, a strategy that has gained traction in several markets. Further details on the bus model, range, and battery specifications are expected as the project advances.