KETO Motors Unveils Ethanol-Based EV Charging System, Launches Urbanova KE9 Electric Bus

KETO Motors has introduced an ethanol-based mobile EV charging system alongside its first commercial 9-metre electric bus, the Urbanova KE9, marking a dual push into electric mobility and alternative energy solutions. While the bus launch is backed by regulatory approvals, detailed technical information about the charging system is yet to be released.

Hyderabad-based KETO Motors has launched two new products aimed at expanding India's electric mobility ecosystem: the Urbanova KE9 electric bus and a mobile ethanol-based EV charging system. The products were unveiled in Hyderabad in the presence of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who described the charging solution as a significant step towards reducing dependence on conventional power sources while supporting India's ethanol ecosystem.

Urbanova KE9 Enters the Commercial EV Market

The Urbanova KE9 is KETO Motors' first commercial 9-metre electric bus and has been positioned primarily for corporate employee transportation. According to the company, it has already signed three MoUs and is targeting fleet customers including Microsoft, Google and Capgemini.

The bus received CMVR Type Approval from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) earlier this year and will be manufactured at KETO Motors' upcoming facility in Jadcherla, Telangana.

Urbanova KE9 Specifications

While company representatives said the bus can accommodate 35 passengers, the certified CMVR specification lists a 31 seated + 11 standing configuration. The difference could be due to a specific seating layout, though the company has not provided further clarification.

KETO Motors has also disclosed the Urbanova KE9 launch to the Bombay Stock Exchange as a material corporate event under SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements.

Ethanol-Based EV Charger Awaits Technical Details

The company's second announcement, an ethanol-based mobile EV charging system, generated considerable interest, particularly as India looks to expand EV charging infrastructure beyond conventional grid-connected networks.

According to KETO Motors, the system is designed for mobile and off-grid charging applications. However, the company has not yet published technical specifications explaining how the technology operates or how it compares with existing mobile charging solutions.

Key details that remain undisclosed include:

• Charging output and charging speed
• Ethanol consumption
• Energy efficiency
• System architecture
• Performance under real-world operating conditions

Based on the limited information available, the system could potentially use an ethanol-fuelled generator to produce electricity for EV charging. If that is the case, the innovation would lie in replacing conventional diesel-powered generator sets with an ethanol-based alternative rather than changing the way electric vehicles themselves are charged. Detailed technical documentation will be needed to independently assess the system's design and performance.

KETO Motors Expands Its EV Portfolio

The latest announcements build on KETO Motors' broader expansion plans in the commercial EV segment.

The company is developing a ₹300 crore electric bus manufacturing facility in Jadcherla with an annual production capacity of 1,000 buses. It has also partnered with Taiwan's Tron Energy Technology for battery systems and is developing additional 6-metre and 12-metre electric bus platforms, alongside its electric three-wheeler venture, Saera KETO EV.