Keto Motors Launches Urbanova KE9 E-Bus

Hyderabad- Keto Motors Limited., has entered India’s electric-bus market with the launch of its first commercial electric bus, the Urbanova KE9, which was also handed over to an operating partner. Founded in 2018, the company is led by a team with extensive experience in developing India’s early electric-bus ecosystem, including technology partnerships, local manufacturing and large-scale commercial deployment.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, said, “I am delighted to unveil Telangana-based KETO Motors' first commercial electric bus. This launch reflects the growing strength of our indigenous manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Electric mobility is central to enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and strengthening technological self-reliance.”

Keto Motors is leveraging its founding team’s experience in electric-bus engineering, manufacturing and deployment to develop locally engineered zero-emission vehicles. Following its reverse merger with Taaza International Limited, the company plans to invest approximately USD 31.5 million to expand its Jadcherla facility and establish a new plant at Telangana EV Mobility Valley. The project will support nine-metre electric-bus production and create more than 2,000 direct jobs over three years.

Shri Y. Nagi Reddy, Managing Director of TGSRTC, said the corporation operates 10,201 buses, including 1,050 electric buses, and serves nearly six million passengers daily. TGSRTC plans to add 800 electric buses by December 2026 and another 1,400 by December 2027, moving towards a fleet of approximately 3,000 electric buses in Hyderabad.

Keto Motors and ROQIT have developed KETO Connected, a digital fleet-management platform offering real-time vehicle monitoring, battery analytics, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Through its partnership with Taiwan-based TRON Energy Technology, the company also gains access to advanced battery, powertrain and chassis technologies. The nine-metre Urbanova KE9 seats up to 31 passengers, delivers a certified range of over 150 km and has a top speed of 80 km/h.

Shri Venkatesh Challa, Director of Keto Motors Limited, said the Urbanova KE9 marks the company’s next growth phase, focused on integrating local manufacturing, advanced engineering, charging infrastructure, connected technologies and digital fleet management into a comprehensive commercial-mobility ecosystem for India.

The Urbanova KE9 integrates remote vehicle monitoring, battery-health analysis, maintenance tracking and future over-the-air software capabilities. The bus has received CMVR Type Approval Certification from GARC, confirming compliance with applicable safety and performance standards. Through connected technologies, local manufacturing and strategic partnerships, Keto Motors aims to improve fleet uptime, safety and operational efficiency while supporting sustainable public transportation in India and global markets.

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