Keto Motors Receives CMVR Approval for 9-Metre Urbanova KE9 Electric Bus

A 9-metre electric bus with a 225 km range, 245 kW motor, and capacity for 42 passengers has received regulatory clearance in India, as Keto Motors secured CMVR Type Approval for its Urbanova KE9 electric bus from the Global Automotive Research Centre.

The certification confirms that the bus complies with the requirements of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, covering structural integrity, passenger safety, operational reliability, and energy efficiency.

With the approval in place, Keto Motors has begun customer demonstrations and preparations for commercial deployment across multiple fleet segments.

The company plans to offer the Urbanova KE9 to State Transport Undertakings (STUs), employee transport operators, school transportation fleets, and urban mobility providers transitioning from diesel buses to electric platforms.

Developed with Taiwanese Technology Partner

The Urbanova KE9 has been developed with technology support from TRON, Taiwan’s largest electric bus manufacturer.

Through the partnership, the bus incorporates:

• Patented liquid-cooled battery systems
• Proprietary battery management systems (BMS)
• Fleet management systems (FMS)
• Energy-efficient electric propulsion technology

These systems are designed to improve reliability, efficiency, and performance in Indian operating conditions.

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Urbanova KE9 Specifications

The bus is designed primarily for urban transit and city mobility operations.

Key specifications include:

• Range: Up to 225 km
• Cruising range (IDC): 188 km
• Motor power: 245 kW
• Torque: 3000 Nm
• Passenger capacity: 31 seated + 11 standing
• Top speed: 80 km/h
• Gradability: 20%

Features

The bus is equipped with multiple systems aimed at improving vehicle control and reducing operating costs for fleet operators, including:

• Air suspension
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Regenerative braking
• Electro-hydraulic power steering
• Disc brakes
• CCS2 fast-charging capability

Production to Begin in FY26

Production of the Urbanova KE9 will take place at Keto Motors’ 20-acre integrated manufacturing facility in Jadcherla, Telangana.

The plant includes in-house bus body manufacturing and testing systems, enabling end-to-end production and quality control.

The company is also developing 12-metre and 6-metre electric bus platforms, which will expand its product portfolio for public transport and commercial fleet applications.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Hyderabad, Keto Motors focuses on electric mobility solutions designed for Indian operating conditions and compliant with ICAT and ARAI engineering standards.