Keto Motors unveils Urbanova KE9 electric bus for global markets
Keto Motors Limited unveiled the Urbanova KE9 electric bus on August 2, 2026, marking its entry into the commercial EV segment. The launch is supported by a ₹300 crore investment in Telangana for manufacturing expansion and strategic partnerships for battery and digital technologies.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Keto Motors Limited unveiled the Urbanova KE9, a new commercial electric bus, on August 2, 2026, signaling its strategic entry into India’s competitive electric public transport sector. The launch targets both domestic and international markets, aiming to address the growing demand for efficient, zero-emission mobility solutions for urban and inter-city transportation. By introducing this vehicle, Keto Motors seeks to strengthen its product portfolio and expand its presence in the electric commercial vehicle segment, leveraging its founding team’s legacy in pioneering India’s early electric bus industry.
The disclosure was made pursuant to Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, read with Schedule III Part A. Keto Motors, formerly known as Taaza International Limited, filed the details with BSE Limited on August 1, 2026. The company stated that the launch marks a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions. Following the event, the company may conduct a press conference to provide further information regarding future operations and business initiatives.
Product Specifications and Technology
The Urbanova KE9 is a 9-meter electric bus engineered for urban and institutional transportation. It measures 8,985 mm in length, 2,532 mm in width, and 3,189 mm in height, offering seating for up to 31 passengers. The bus features a floor height of 900 mm to facilitate convenient passenger boarding. Key technical specifications include a certified operating range of over 150 km under fully loaded conditions and a top speed of up to 80 km/h.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 8,985 mm |
| Width | 2,532 mm |
| Height | 3,189 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 31 passengers |
| Certified Range | Over 150 km (fully loaded) |
| Top Speed | Up to 80 km/h |
| Floor Height | 900 mm |
The vehicle incorporates advanced battery technology, including patented liquid-cooled battery systems and Battery Management Systems (BMS) provided through a strategic partnership with TRON Energy Technology, a Taiwanese electric bus manufacturer. Safety features include electro-hydraulic power steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), regenerative braking, and disc brakes. The Urbanova KE9 has secured CMVR Type Approval Certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), validating compliance with statutory safety and performance standards.
Digital Ecosystem and Manufacturing Expansion
Complementing the hardware, Keto Motors has developed KETO Connected, an integrated digital operations platform designed for commercial fleet operators. Developed in collaboration with ROQIT, the platform offers real-time vehicle health monitoring, battery analytics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance capabilities. This digital ecosystem aims to maximize fleet uptime and reduce operating costs by providing operational visibility throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
Supporting its growth strategy, Keto Motors signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana in December 2025. The agreement commits an investment of approximately ₹300 crore to expand its existing 20-acre facility at Jadcherla and establish a greenfield facility at the Telangana EV Mobility Valley. This investment will support the manufacturing of 9-metre electric buses and create more than 2,000 direct jobs over the next three years, positioning Telangana as the company’s primary manufacturing hub.
What the Numbers Show
The launch of the Urbanova KE9 coincides with significant capital expenditure commitments, indicating a shift from product development to scaled manufacturing. The ₹300 crore investment in Telangana, coupled with the creation of 2,000 jobs, suggests Keto Motors is preparing for volume production rather than limited pilot deployments. The integration of TRON Energy Technology’s battery systems highlights a reliance on established international supply chains for critical components, potentially mitigating early-stage R&D risks while leveraging local engineering for chassis and assembly customization.
How will Keto Motors' reliance on TRON Energy Technology for battery systems impact its supply chain resilience and cost structure amidst global semiconductor and battery material volatility?
What is the projected timeline for the Telangana greenfield facility to reach full operational capacity, and how might this affect Keto Motors' ability to meet initial order backlogs?
Given the Urbanova KE9's 150 km certified range under load, how does this position the vehicle against competitors offering longer-range buses for inter-city routes in India?
































