BlackBuck EV and Chalo to Deploy 300 Electric Buses

Hyderabad-based BlackBuck Electric Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. (BlackBuck EV) and Chalo Mobility Private Limited (Chalo) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the proposed deployment of up to 300 electric buses across urban and intercity routes in India.

Under the proposed partnership, BlackBuck EV will manufacture, supply and maintain electric buses in 9-metre, 13.5-metre and 15-metre configurations. Chalo will deploy and operate the buses on intra-city and intercity routes using its mobility technology platform.

According to BlackBuck EV, the proposed deployment of up to 300 electric buses will be carried out over the next three years. The company’s 9-metre and 15-metre bus models are currently under homologation, with approvals expected by the end of 2026. Commercial production of the buses is planned to begin from the second quarter of 2027.

The partnership combines BlackBuck EV’s electric bus platform with Chalo’s transport technology. BlackBuck EV’s buses are based on a skateboard chassis architecture with an aluminium-composite space-frame body, while Chalo’s platform provides passenger-facing features such as trip planning, live bus tracking, digital ticketing, fare collection and passenger information, along with fleet management systems. The collaboration will also use vehicle and operational data to support preventive maintenance, improve fleet availability and optimise route operations.

BlackBuck EV’s electric-bus portfolio includes the VIRO 2X (9-metre) for urban operations, the ELON 2X (13.5-metre) for intercity travel, and the ELON 3X (15-metre) multi-axle electric bus for long-distance operations.

Ramakrishnam Raju, CEO and Founder, BlackBuck EV, said, “We are pleased to partner with Chalo. BlackBuck EV’s proprietary electric-bus technology is designed to deliver a premium travel experience, with superior ride comfort, spacious interiors and the efficiency needed for everyday operations. Combined with Chalo’s digital and operational capabilities, we can make bus travel more comfortable, dependable and connected for passengers across India.”

Mohit Dubey, CEO and Co-founder, Chalo, said, “Our vision is to build the future of mobility in India and beyond. This partnership brings together complementary strengths to create world-class electric mobility solutions that can serve millions of people every day. Together, we are committed to making public transport cleaner, smarter and more accessible while positively impacting the lives of communities through better mobility.”

Priya Singh, Co-founder, Chalo, said, “Public transport is the single largest lever we have to change how cities move, breathe and grow. Every premium electric bus we bring onto our platform through this partnership means fewer emissions, lower costs for operators and a more comfortable, reliable journey for thousands of commuters every day. At Chalo, our ambition is to build public transport that people actively choose over private vehicles. Partnerships like this one with BlackBuck EV strengthen our ability to scale that vision across India, with real, measurable outcomes for cities, operators and citizens.”

Ravi Mudunuri, Director and Co-founder, BlackBuck EV, said, “We see an opportunity to offer more than an electric bus. By combining BlackBuck EV’s vehicle expertise with Chalo’s technology and insight into how people use public transport, we can create a complete travel proposition that delivers quality, digital convenience and a better journey for passengers.”

Arun Gidroniya, Business Head, Chalo, said, “During my visit to BlackBuck EV’s facility, I experienced the bus first-hand. The spacious interior, independent suspension and smooth ride show that it has been designed with passenger comfort in mind. Its lightweight technology supports efficient, long-range operation. Combined with Chalo’s technology, it can create a more convenient and connected travel experience.”

Also read: Hyderabad-based BlackBuck EV unveils 9m electric bus platform VIRO 2X