New Launch in Manesar
Montra Electric eM&HCV (IPLTech Electric Private Limited), the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, has launched the new Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT. The event took place at the company’s electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle (eM&HCV) manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana.
Alongside the truck launch, the company introduced battery swap technology for its Rhino range of trucks.
India’s First All-Women Monitored Automated Battery Plant
Montra Electric also inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored, automated battery plant. The facility features a new conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), setting a benchmark for efficiency and automation in the EV ecosystem.
Defining Moment for Indian Freight
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT marks a defining milestone for India’s freight sector. It places the country firmly on the global map of electric mobility and sustainable freight solutions.
The unveiling was attended by:
- M A M Arunachalam (Arun Murugappan), Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.)
- Vellayan Subbiah, Vice-Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.)
Building on Proven Success
The new Rhino builds on the success of India’s first heavy-duty electric truck, the 6×4 TT, which has already clocked over 1.2 crore km in just two years.
With this expansion, Montra Electric strengthens its EV truck portfolio and its commitment to sustainable transport.
Battery Swap in Just 6 Minutes
The newly introduced battery swap takes less than six minutes, compared to more than an hour with fast charging.
Key highlights include:
- 7+1 configuration with advanced automation
- Capacity of 160+ swaps per day at peak usage
- Controlled charging environment for longer battery life
- Drive-through design that allows seamless trailer movement, similar to toll plazas
This innovation significantly reduces downtime, making electric trucking more practical for long-haul logistics.
Technical Specifications of Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is engineered for Indian operating conditions.
- Battery: 282 kWh LFP
- Power: 380 HP
- Torque: 2000 Nm
- Range: ~198 km (standard test conditions)
- Transmission: 6-speed AMT
- GCW: 55 tons
- Price: ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory, fixed-battery variant)
It comes with multiple trailer compatibility, a robust chassis, and tailored financing solutions.
Montra Electric also offers a 10-year/9 lakh km AMC contract with 95% uptime, advanced telematics, and strong after-sales support.
Leadership Speaks
Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, said:
“We are building products and services that solve the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption. Battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks makes clean mobility seamless and reliable. Our vision is to accelerate India’s transition towards cleaner logistics.”
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, added:
“This milestone puts India firmly on the global map of sustainable mobility. With innovations like automated battery plants, AGVs, and battery swapping, we are enabling greater efficiency and localization in freight solutions.”
Driving India’s Clean Mobility Transition
With the PM E-DRIVE scheme and other government initiatives, Montra Electric expects faster adoption of e-trucks.
The company’s battery swap technology addresses critical barriers like long charging times and high costs, paving the way for clean, reliable, and scalable transport.
Beyond heavy trucks, Montra Electric’s portfolio includes electric three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, and tractors, positioning it as one of the few full-spectrum clean mobility players in India.