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

Key Highlights

• Keto Motors receives CMVR Type Approval for Urbanova KE9 electric bus.

• Certification granted by Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC).

• 9-metre bus offers 225 km maximum range and 80 km/h top speed.

• Production to begin in FY26 at 20-acre Telangana facility.

• Company also developing 12-metre and 6-metre electric buses.

Hyderabad-based electric vehicle manufacturer Keto Motors has received CMVR Type Approval Certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre for its Urbanova KE9, a 9-metre electric bus.

The certification, announced on March 5, allows the company to deploy the electric bus across India commercially. This regulatory clearance marks an important milestone for Keto Motors as it expands its presence in the country’s fast-growing electric public transport segment.

Certification Enables Commercial Deployment

The CMVR Type Approval confirms that the Urbanova KE9 complies with all statutory requirements under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. These rules ensure that vehicles meet standards related to structural strength, passenger safety, operational reliability, and performance efficiency.

With this approval, Keto Motors can now begin commercial sales and deployments across multiple fleet segments. The company said it has started customer demonstrations and is preparing deliveries for:

• State Transport Undertakings (STUs)

• Employee transportation providers

• School transport fleets

• Urban mobility operators are shifting from diesel vehicles to electric alternatives

According to Venkatesh Challa, the approval is a major step forward for the company. He said the certification confirms Keto Motors focus on delivering reliable and high-performance electric mobility solutions designed for Indian operating conditions. The company is now concentrating on accelerating customer deployments and supporting the transition to zero-emission public transport.

Urbanova KE9 Electric Bus Specifications

The Urbanova KE9 is designed on an urban-grade chassis suitable for city transport operations and smart mobility networks. The bus offers strong performance, range capability, and passenger comfort features suited for public transport fleets.

Key Performance Specifications

• Maximum Range: 225 km

• Cruise Range: 188 km (IDC conditions)

• Motor Power: 245 kW liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor

• Torque Output: 3,000 Nm

• Top Speed: 80 km/h

• Gradability: 20%

The electric bus is capable of handling steep gradients and heavy urban traffic conditions, making it suitable for city and inter-city operations.

Passenger Capacity and Features

The bus is designed to carry 31 seated passengers with standing space for 11 additional passengers, allowing it to support high-capacity public transport needs.

Standard equipment includes:

• CCS2 fast charging compatibility

• Air suspension

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

• Regenerative braking

• Electro-hydraulic power steering

• Disc brakes

According to the company, these features improve passenger comfort, enhance vehicle control, and help fleet operators reduce operating costs while maintaining higher vehicle uptime.

Manufacturing at Telangana Production Facility

Production of the Urbanova KE9 is scheduled to begin in early FY26. Manufacturing will take place at Keto Motors integrated production facility located in Jadcherla, Telangana.

The 20-acre manufacturing plant is equipped with advanced testing systems and supports complete vehicle production, including in-house bus body manufacturing. This setup allows the company to maintain strict quality control and scale up production efficiently for commercial and public mobility customers.

Keto Motors currently has an annual production capacity of 1,000 buses and plans to expand deliveries across India.

Technology Partnership Strengthening Product Development

Keto Motors electric bus development is supported through a technology partnership with TRON, described as Taiwan’s largest electric bus original equipment manufacturer.

Through this collaboration, Keto Motors gains access to several advanced technologies, including:

• Patented liquid-cooled battery technology

• A self-developed battery management system (BMS)

• Integrated fleet management systems (FMS)

The company said this partnership helps it design electric buses tailored to Indian road conditions and operational requirements.

Keto Motors’ existing vehicle portfolio already holds approvals from the International Centre for Automotive Technology and the Automotive Research Association of India, the country’s primary vehicle testing and certification organisations. The company also maintains a nationwide service network to support fleet operators after deployment.

Expansion Plans with New Electric Bus Platforms

In addition to the 9-metre Urbanova KE9, Keto Motors is developing 12-metre and 6-metre electric bus models. These upcoming variants are expected to complement the existing platform and expand the company’s presence across multiple public transport and commercial mobility segments.

By offering buses in different sizes, the company aims to meet the needs of various operators ranging from city transport corporations to private fleet operators.

Understanding CMVR Type Approval

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) define the safety, performance, and regulatory standards for vehicles sold in India.

Type Approval under this framework is mandatory before a vehicle can be commercially sold. The process verifies compliance with performance benchmarks, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines established by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

By securing this approval for the Urbanova KE9, Keto Motors has cleared a key regulatory requirement, enabling the company to begin commercial deployment of its electric bus across India’s public transport networks.

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CMV360 Says

Keto Motors securing CMVR Type Approval for the Urbanova KE9 marks an important step in expanding electric public transport in India. With regulatory clearance, the company is now preparing commercial deployments for transport operators and fleet providers. Backed by advanced technology, a dedicated manufacturing facility, and upcoming electric bus variants, Keto Motors aims to strengthen its role in the country’s transition toward efficient, reliable, and zero-emission urban mobility solutions.