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

Buses Partnerships

Partnership combines BlackBuck EV’s ground-up engineered premium electric buses with Chalo’s mobility technology and operating capabilities to enhance urban and intercity passenger travel.

BlackBuck Electric Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. and Chalo Mobility Private Limited, India’s leading transport technology company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the proposed deployment of up to 300 premium and luxury electric buses across urban and intercity routes in India.

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

The collaboration brings together BlackBuck EV’s ground-up electric-bus engineering and Chalo’s experience in passenger mobility, route operations and digital public-transport solutions. Chalo’s platform includes live bus tracking, digital ticketing, fare collection, passenger information and fleet-management capabilities.

Mr. Ramakrishnam Raju, CEO and Founder, 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.”

The integration of Chalo’s passenger-facing technology with BlackBuck EV’s connected electric buses is intended to provide passengers with a more predictable and convenient journey—from trip planning and ticketing to the onboard travel experience.

Mr. 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.”

BlackBuck EV’s buses are built on the company’s proprietary skateboard chassis architecture and feature an aluminum-composite spaceframe. Engineered for passenger comfort, energy efficiency and lifecycle performance, the buses offer lightweight construction, spacious premium interiors, comfortable seating, connected diagnostics, real-time telematics and long-range electric capability.

BlackBuck EV’s electric-bus portfolio comprises the VIRO 2X, a 9-metre model developed for urban operations; the ELON 2X, a 13.5-metre model for premium intercity travel; and the ELON 3X, a 15-metre multi-axle electric bus developed for luxury intercity services.

Ms. 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.”

The collaboration will also use vehicle and operational data to support preventive maintenance, improve fleet availability, optimize route operations and strengthen passenger services.

Mr. Ravi Mudunuri, Director and Co-founder, 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.”

The partnership is expected to support India’s transition towards cleaner, smarter and more sustainable public transportation while improving the overall quality of urban and intercity passenger mobility.

Mr. 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.'”