Keto Motors secures CMVR approval for 9m electric bus

Hyderabad-based electric vehicle manufacturer Keto Motors has secured CMVR Type Approval Certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) for its 9-metre Urbanova KE9 electric bus. The approval allows the company to proceed with commercial deployment in India’s electric public mobility segment.

The certification confirms compliance with statutory safety and performance requirements, including structural integrity, passenger safety, range efficiency, and operational parameters. Following the approval, the company plans to begin customer demonstrations and initiate commercial deployment across State Transport Undertakings (STUs), employee transport operators, school fleets, and urban mobility service providers shifting from diesel to electric buses.

Keto Motors has a technology partnership with TRON, Taiwan-based electric bus manufacturer, which provides liquid-cooled battery systems, battery management systems (BMS), fleet management systems (FMS), and propulsion technology for its buses.

The 9-metre electric bus is designed for urban operations. It offers a claimed range of up to 225 km and is powered by a 245 kW motor delivering 3000 Nm torque. The bus is equipped with air suspension, ABS, regenerative braking, and CCS2 fast-charging capability. It has seating for 31 passengers and space for 11 standing passengers. The liquid-cooled PMSM motor delivers a cruise range of 188 km (IDC). The vehicle has a top speed of 80 km/h and 20% gradability, and includes electro-hydraulic power steering and disc brakes.

Production is scheduled to commence in early FY26. Manufacturing will take place at the company’s 20-acre facility in Jadcherla, Telangana, which includes in-house bus body manufacturing and testing infrastructure. In addition to the 9-metre model, Keto Motors is developing 12-metre and 6-metre electric bus platforms for public transport and commercial mobility applications.

The company states that its electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions. Keto Motors operates with ICAT and ARAI-approved products, supplier partnerships, and a service network across India. The company has an annual manufacturing capacity of 1,000 units.

Venkatesh Challa, Director, Keto Motors, stated that “Securing CMVR Type Approval for the Urbanova KE9 is a defining milestone for Keto Motors. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering dependable, high-performance electric mobility solutions designed specifically for Indian roads and fleet operators. With approvals in place, we are now focused on accelerating customer deployments and supporting India’s transition toward clean, zero-emission public transport.”

Also read: Blackbuck EV signs MoU with Government of Telangana for electric bus manufacturing facility