India’s electric mobility journey achieved a major milestone with the launch of Montra Electric’s Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 Tractor Trailer (TT) at its Manesar facility. The event also marked the inauguration of an all-women automated battery plant and the debut of an industry-first battery swapping station.
Backed by the Murugappa Group’s 125-year legacy, this launch positions Montra Electric as a strong player in India’s commercial EV market. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable logistics and innovation.
A Heavy-Duty EV for Indian Roads
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is designed to handle India’s demanding freight needs. It is powered by a 282 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque.
Key highlights:
- 6-speed AMT gearbox with heavy-duty axles.
- Compatibility with multiple trailer types.
- Up to 198 km range per charge under standard conditions.
- Fast charging from 20% to 100% in just 60 minutes.
- 55-ton Gross Combination Weight (GCW) and 18% gradeability.
This makes the Rhino well-suited for bulk cargo, containers, and tip trailers.
At the launch, Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, said:
“We are building products that solve the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption. With battery swapping and purpose-built platforms, we aim to make clean mobility seamless and viable for fleet operators. Each step we take accelerates India’s shift towards sustainable logistics.”
Battery Swapping: Fast, Simple, Efficient
A key feature of the Rhino 5538 EV is its battery swapping technology. A complete swap takes less than six minutes, compared to an hour with fast charging.
The swap station can handle 160+ swaps per day with a 7+1 configuration and a drive-through design for trucks with trailers. This reduces downtime, extends battery life, and lowers costs for operators.
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, noted:
“This is a milestone in India’s clean mobility journey. With battery swapping, automation, and localization, Montra is driving innovative and reliable freight solutions. Supported by initiatives like the PM E-DRIVE scheme, e-truck adoption will accelerate quickly.”
India’s First All-Women Automated Battery Plant
The event also inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored automated battery plant. The facility features Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and advanced conveyor systems.
Women staff manage technical and supervisory roles, making this plant a benchmark in gender diversity and industrial innovation.
This initiative demonstrates Montra’s commitment to both localization and empowering women in manufacturing leadership.
Supporting Fleet Operators
Montra Electric combines technology with value-added services:
- 10-year / 9 lakh km AMC contracts with 95% uptime guarantee.
- Flexible financing and driver insurance programs.
- Advanced telematics for monitoring efficiency.
- Zero-depreciation insurance coverage.
The Rhino 5538 EV adds to Montra’s expanding EV portfolio. It already includes small commercial trucks, last-mile three-wheelers, and India’s first electric tractor (E-27). This makes Montra one of the few companies offering end-to-end mobility solutions across freight, agriculture, and delivery.
Driving India’s EV Transition
As freight demand grows, electric trucks like the Rhino can lower costs, cut emissions, and boost logistics efficiency. Montra’s approach—battery swapping, automation, and comprehensive support—positions it to accelerate EV adoption in India’s high-load transport sector.
Arun Murugappan summed it up:
“Every step we take brings India closer to making sustainable mobility the norm, not the exception.”
The Rhino 5538 EV launch, combined with battery swapping innovation and an all-women battery plant, sets the stage for a new era in India’s commercial electric mobility—where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability go hand in hand.