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Hyderabad-based Keto Motors has entered India commercial electric bus market with the launch of its new Urbanova KE9 electric bus. During the launch event, the company also handed over its first vehicle to its operating partner, marking the expansion of its commercial electric vehicle (EV) portfolio.
Founded in 2018, Keto Motors said its founding team played a key role in the early development of India's electric bus ecosystem. Building on this experience, the company aims to strengthen its presence in the commercial electric mobility segment.
Keto Motors is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in Telangana. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Telangana government in December 2025, the company plans to invest around ₹300 crore to expand its existing Jadcherla facility and establish a new greenfield manufacturing plant at the Telangana EV Mobility Valley. The investment is expected to boost the production of 9-metre electric buses and generate more than 2,000 direct jobs over the next three years.
The Urbanova KE9 is a 9-metre battery-electric bus with seating capacity for up to 31 passengers. According to the company, the bus offers a certified driving range of over 150 km under fully loaded conditions and a top speed of 80 km/h. It is equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), regenerative braking, and disc brakes to enhance safety and driving performance.
Alongside the vehicle, Keto Motors has introduced KETO Connected, a digital fleet management platform developed in collaboration with ROQIT. The platform offers real-time vehicle health monitoring, battery analytics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance capabilities. 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), confirming its compliance with statutory safety and performance standards.
Commenting on the launch, Venkatesh Challa, Director, Keto Motors, said the Urbanova KE9 represents more than just the introduction of a new electric bus. It marks the beginning of the company's next phase of growth as it works toward building a comprehensive commercial electric mobility ecosystem for India.
