Keto Motors, a Hyderabad-based commercial electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced its entry into India’s commercial electric bus market with the launch of the Urbanova KE9, a new 9-metre electric bus designed for urban and institutional transportation. The company also handed over the first vehicle to its operating partner during the launch ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy.
The launch expands Keto Motors’ portfolio of commercial electric mobility solutions and reinforces its commitment to supporting India’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable public transportation. Founded in 2018, Keto Motors has been built by a leadership team that played an important role in developing India’s early electric bus industry. The team helped introduce international technology collaborations, establish domestic manufacturing capabilities and demonstrate the commercial viability of electric buses in India long before electric mobility gained widespread adoption.
Building on this experience, Keto Motors is focusing on developing advanced electric buses through indigenous engineering, global technology partnerships and continuous product innovation. Earlier this year, the company became a publicly listed entity following its reverse merger with Taaza International Limited, strengthening its financial platform for future expansion.
To support its long-term growth plans, Keto Motors signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Telangana in December 2025 to invest approximately ₹300 crore in expanding its manufacturing operations. The investment includes the expansion of its existing 20-acre facility at Jadcherla and the establishment of a new manufacturing unit at the Telangana EV Mobility Valley. The project is expected to create more than 2,000 direct jobs over the next three years while making Telangana the company’s primary manufacturing hub.
The Urbanova KE9 has been developed to meet the growing demand for reliable zero-emission buses in public transport and institutional fleets. The 9-metre bus measures 8,985 mm in length and offers seating for up to 31 passengers. It features a low floor height of 900 mm for easier passenger boarding and delivers a certified driving range of over 150 kilometres under fully loaded operating conditions. The vehicle can achieve a top speed of 80 km/h.
The bus is equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), regenerative braking and disc brakes to improve safety, driving comfort and operational efficiency. It has also received CMVR Type Approval Certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), confirming compliance with safety, structural and performance standards.
Keto Motors has also developed KETO Connected, a digital fleet management platform in collaboration with ROQIT. The system enables fleet operators to monitor vehicle performance, battery health, maintenance schedules and operational efficiency through real-time analytics. The platform also supports remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping improve vehicle uptime and reduce operating costs.
Further strengthening its technology capabilities, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Taiwan-based TRON Energy Technology. The collaboration provides access to advanced battery systems, liquid-cooled battery technology, battery management systems, connected vehicle technologies, powertrain solutions and chassis engineering expertise.
Keto Motors said it aims to build more than electric vehicles by creating a connected mobility ecosystem that combines advanced engineering, digital services and lifecycle support. Through continued investments in manufacturing, technology and strategic partnerships, the company plans to deliver next-generation electric buses for Indian and global markets while supporting the country’s clean mobility goals.
