Keto Motors Enters Electric Bus Segment With Urbanova KE9
Hyderabad-based Keto Motors has entered India's commercial electric bus market with the launch of the Urbanova KE9, a 9-metre battery-electric bus developed for urban and institutional transport. The company also handed over the first vehicle to its operating partner during the launch event.
The launch marks Keto Motors' expansion into the commercial electric bus segment as it broadens its portfolio of commercial EV offerings. The company, founded in 2018, said it is leveraging the experience of its founding team, which was involved in the early development of India's electric bus ecosystem.
₹300 Crore Telangana Expansion To Boost Bus Production
Keto Motors is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in Telangana. Under a memorandum of understanding signed with the state government in December 2025, the company plans to invest around ₹300 crore to expand its existing Jadcherla facility and establish a greenfield plant at Telangana EV Mobility Valley. The investment is expected to support production of 9-metre electric buses and create more than 2,000 direct jobs over the next three years.
Urbanova KE9 Specifications: Range, Seating And Safety Features
The Urbanova KE9 is a 9-metre electric bus with seating for up to 31 passengers. It offers a certified operating range of over 150 km under fully loaded conditions and a top speed of up to 80 km/h. The bus is equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering, anti-lock braking system (ABS), regenerative braking and disc brakes.
Fleet Tech Partnerships And GARC Certification
Alongside the vehicle, Keto Motors has introduced KETO Connected, a digital fleet management platform developed with ROQIT. The platform provides real-time vehicle health monitoring, battery analytics, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance features. The company has also partnered with Taiwan-based TRON Energy Technology for battery systems, powertrain technologies and chassis engineering.
The Urbanova KE9 has received CMVR Type Approval certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), validating compliance with statutory safety and performance standards.
"The launch of the Urbanova KE9 represents much more than the introduction of a new electric bus. It marks the beginning of Keto Motors' next phase of growth as we work towards building a comprehensive commercial mobility ecosystem for India," said Venkatesh Challa, Director, Keto Motors.