BlackBuck EV and Chalo sign MoU for up to 300 electric buses in India

BlackBuck EV and Chalo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the proposed deployment of up to 300 electric buses on urban and intercity routes in India.

Under the agreement announced on 1 August 2026, BlackBuck Electric Vehicles India will manufacture, supply and maintain the vehicles, while Chalo Mobility will deploy and operate them. The planned fleet covers 9-, 13.5- and 15-metre electric buses, according to BlackBuck EV.

Chalo is an Indian transport technology company providing digital and operational solutions for public bus services. Its digital platform will provide functions including live bus tracking, digital ticketing, fare collection, passenger information and fleet management. The companies have not disclosed a delivery schedule, the allocation of the 300 vehicles between models or the routes where they are expected to operate.

BlackBuck EV and Chalo target up to 300 electric buses

The proposed deployment will draw on three vehicle configurations in BlackBuck EV’s current portfolio. The VIRO 2X is a 9-metre model for urban operations, while the ELON range covers premium and intercity applications.

BlackBuck EV unveiled the VIRO 2X in April 2026 as its entry into the urban electric bus segment. The company stated at the time that commercial deployment was expected from Q4 2026. The 9-metre vehicle is based on an EV-native architecture developed in-house and combines an aluminium-composite spaceframe with a stainless-steel skateboard platform. BlackBuck EV reported energy consumption of up to 0.6 kWh/km during highway testing with air conditioning and a range of up to 260 km at 80% state of charge.

For the Chalo agreement, as mentioned above, BlackBuck EV says it will supply buses in 9-metre, 13.5-metre and 15-metre configurations. The press note identifies the VIRO 2X as the urban model, the ELON 2X as a 13.5-metre premium intercity bus and the ELON 3X as a 15-metre multi-axle model for intercity services.

BlackBuck EV ELON platform expands into Chalo operations

BlackBuck EV’s buses use the company’s proprietary skateboard chassis architecture and an aluminium-composite spaceframe. The manufacturer also lists connected diagnostics and real-time telematics among the systems incorporated into its vehicles.

Development of the ELON family predates the latest Chalo agreement. BlackBuck EV presented the ELON 3X in pre-production form in 2023 and started road trials in 2024. We previously detailed the company’s plans for a modular, lightweight electric bus architecture in an interview with founder and CEO Ramakrishnam Raju Chintalapati in 2023.

In August 2024, BlackBuck EV also introduced a sleeper version of its ELON electric bus and stated that it had secured MoUs for 350 seater and sleeper buses with customers in India and international markets.

The new Chalo MoU concerns a proposed deployment of up to 300 buses and does not specify whether those vehicles form part of the previously announced 350 units.

Chalo technology to be integrated with BlackBuck EV buses

Under the proposed arrangement, Chalo will use its passenger and fleet technology alongside BlackBuck EV’s connected vehicle systems. Chalo’s platform covers trip information, ticketing, fare collection, live vehicle tracking and fleet management.

The companies state that vehicle and operational data will also be used for preventive maintenance, fleet availability, route operations and passenger services.

BlackBuck EV is responsible for manufacturing, supplying and maintaining the vehicles, while Chalo is responsible for deployment and operation. Financial terms of the MoU have not been disclosed.

In brief

• How many electric buses are covered by the BlackBuck EV-Chalo MoU?
  The agreement covers the proposed deployment of up to 300 electric buses in India.
• Which BlackBuck EV buses are included?
  The agreement covers 9-, 13.5- and 15-metre configurations for urban and intercity operations.
• Who will operate the buses?
  Chalo will deploy and operate the vehicles, while BlackBuck EV will manufacture, supply and maintain them.
• What technology will Chalo provide?
  Its platform includes live tracking, digital ticketing, fare collection, passenger information and fleet management.

Ramakrishnam Raju, CEO and Founder of BlackBuck EV, said: “We are pleased to partner with Chalo, whose digital and operational capabilities are helping modernise bus travel in India. BlackBuck EV has developed its electric-bus platform from the ground up, integrating proprietary vehicle architecture, lightweight engineering and connected intelligence. By bringing these complementary strengths together, we aim to establish a differentiated, scalable model for premium electric passenger mobility.”

Mohit Dubey, CEO and Co-founder of 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 of 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 of BlackBuck EV, said: “India’s premium bus market is entering a new phase, driven by rising expectations for superior comfort, quality and sustainability. Chalo’s technology platform and operational experience can help position BlackBuck EV’s portfolio for scalable adoption while creating long-term value for passengers, operators and the wider mobility ecosystem.”

Arun Gidroniya, Business Head at 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.”