An EV Brand From the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - GÜNSEL Chairman, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel

GÜNSEL is more than just an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. It's also an investor in solar power technology, as well as a source of great national pride for the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where it is located.

The company's journey began with a passion for cars in North Cyprus, which eventually led to the establishment of the Cyprus Car Museum, the participation in solar-powered car races, and the development of advanced computing and embedded software projects.

The rise of EVs around the world led to the founding of GÜNSEL in 2016.

"The company built upon the experience and knowledge gained from previous endeavours to create an innovative and environmentally friendly car brand," Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of GÜNSEL, tells Auto Futures.

GÜNSEL positions itself as a technology and engineering company providing mobility solutions. It's also developing battery packs, investing in solar energy, and producing software and hardware for charging networks. 

Its first EV will be the B9. It plans to initiate serial production by 2025.

"The GÜNSEL B9 is designed as a compact yet versatile electric vehicle, perfect for urban environments and the evolving needs of modern drivers. It is initially developed as a sporty 3-door hatchback in the prototype stage but will be produced as a 5-door model in the serial production version, providing comfortable seating for five adults," he explains.

The B9 offers a range of 350 km on a single charge. Fast charging capabilities enable it to reach 80% capacity in just 30 minutes at DC fast charging stations and 90% capacity in 4 hours with AC fast charging.

The model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, and it has a top speed of 150 km/hs.

"In line with GÜNSEL's commitment to innovative, efficient, and elegant solutions, the B9 incorporates cutting-edge technology and design elements that enhance the driving experience. These include advanced safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and seamless connectivity options."

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, and it has a top speed of 150 km/h.

A Showcase to the World

Prof. Dr. Günsel takes pride in the fact that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus now has its own motor manufacturer that has the potential for significant contributions to its economic development.

"A local automobile manufacturer can create jobs and attract investments, leading to the growth of the automotive supply chain. Various local businesses could emerge to support the industry, stimulating economic growth, increasing exports, and diversifying the country's income sources," he explains.

Developing a local automobile manufacturer will also help encourage innovation and technological advancements in the region.

"By investing in research and development, GÜNSEL can drive new technological breakthroughs in the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy. This progress will not only benefit the automotive sector but also create opportunities for technology transfer and collaborations in other industries."

Additionally, GÜNSEL's focus on producing EVs can contribute to North Cyrpus' efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.

"Electric vehicles are key to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and a local automobile manufacturer can help accelerate the adoption of cleaner transportation solutions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," notes Prof. Dr. Günsel.

"By producing vehicles that cater to the local market and expanding its presence in the international automotive industry, GÜNSEL can elevate the nation's status and showcase its technological capabilities to the world," he adds.

Developing a Skilled Workforce in North Cyprus

GÜNSEL is part of Near East Conglomerate, which is the second-largest employer in Northern Cyprus after the government. It has investments in various sectors such as education, health, tourism, finance, industry, and technology, as well as Near East University, the largest university in Northern Cyprus. As a result, the relationship between GÜNSEL and the university is deeply interconnected.

"The collaboration between GÜNSEL Academy and Near East University allows for the training of young talents who want to join the sector, creating a skilled workforce for the future of the electric vehicle industry," says Prof. Dr. Günsel.

The company benefits significantly from the university's expertise, particularly in computer sciences and engineering. The partnership also helps preserve the cultural life of North Cyprus through institutions such as the Cyprus Car Museum. 

"The partnership between GÜNSEL and Near East University fosters a strong connection in education, research, talent development, and cultural preservation, making it an essential aspect of their shared growth and success." he adds.

Promoting the Adoption ot Solar Power

With its abundant sunlight and short distances, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus serves as an ideal location for the utilisation of solar power. GÜNSEL is committed to harnessing solar power for both its operations and the wider community. 

The company has designed its manufacturing facilities and R&D centre to maximise the benefits of solar energy.

"Solar panels have been installed on the roofs of these buildings to produce electricity for the company's operations. GÜNSEL's commitment to solar power also extends to its charging stations, with plans to use solar-generated electricity to power the stations, even if the solar panels are located elsewhere," says Prof. Dr. Günsel.

Beyond its own facilities, the company is exploring collaborations with the government and businesses to promote the wider adoption of solar power.

"This could involve initiatives such as community solar projects, providing solar power systems for public buildings, and encouraging residential solar installations through incentives or partnerships."

Finally, we asked Prof. Dr. Günsel what urban mobility will look like by the end of the decade.

"Urban mobility in 2030 is poised for a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, urban planning, and policy changes. A combination of factors, including electric and autonomous vehicles, improved public transportation, and the increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency, will shape the future of transportation in cities," he predicts.

"The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city infrastructure will play a critical role in optimizing traffic management and facilitating seamless transportation experiences. Public transit systems and private mobility services may become more interconnected, while real-time data sharing can improve overall efficiency and reduce congestion."

"As a company focused on innovation, GÜNSEL will continue to develop solutions to meet these evolving urban mobility needs," concludes Prof. Dr. Günsel.