Montra Electric, the electric mobility arm of the Murugappa Group under IPLTech Electric Private Limited, has expanded its electric truck lineup with the introduction of the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, alongside the rollout of battery swapping technology for its Rhino range. The announcement was made at the company’s electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle (eM&HCV) manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana.
In a significant step for India’s clean freight mobility sector, Montra Electric also inaugurated the country’s first all-women monitored, automated battery plant, and a new conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to enhance production efficiency. The new Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 is a purpose-built electric truck designed for long-haul operations, combining high performance with reduced total cost of ownership.
Powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, it delivers 380 HP and 2000 Nm of torque, achieving a range of nearly 198 km on a single charge under standard test conditions. The truck features a 6-speed AMT gearbox, a reinforced chassis, and compatibility with a range of trailer configurations. With a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tons, it is engineered to meet the unique challenges of Indian road and load conditions.
To address charging time limitations in commercial EV adoption, Montra has introduced a battery swapping system capable of over 160 swaps per day. Each swap takes under 6 minutes, significantly reducing vehicle downtime compared to traditional fast charging. The drive-through setup allows trailer trucks to seamlessly enter and exit—functioning similarly to a toll plaza—and supports extended battery life through controlled charging.
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is available in two configurations—with fixed battery and with battery swap capability. The fixed-battery variant is priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory) and includes Montra Electric’s 10-year/9 lakh km AMC plan, a 95% uptime guarantee, advanced telematics, and customized financing support.
M A M Arunachalam (Arun Murugappan), Chairman of Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd), commented “We are focused on removing key barriers to commercial EV adoption—such as range, charging time, and infrastructure limitations. Our battery swap platform for heavy-duty trucks and localized manufacturing advancements demonstrate our commitment to building a practical, scalable clean mobility ecosystem for India.”
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, added “The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 launch, along with our innovations in plant automation and battery management, strengthens India’s position in the global electric transport sector. With government support through schemes like PM E-DRIVE, the adoption of e-trucks is set to accelerate, and we are prepared to lead this transformation.”
Montra Electric has positioned itself as one of the rare manufacturers in India to offer a complete spectrum of electric commercial vehicles, catering to diverse mobility needs. The company’s portfolio extends beyond heavy-duty trucks, reflecting its commitment to building sustainable solutions across multiple segments.
Its lineup features the EVIATOR, a 3.5-ton small electric commercial vehicle; the SUPER AUTO, a last-mile electric passenger three-wheeler; the SUPER CARGO, designed for efficient cargo delivery; and the E-27, recognized as India’s first electric tractor. Together, these vehicles showcase Montra Electric’s vision of driving clean, reliable, and innovative mobility across both urban and rural markets. With vertically integrated platforms and strong R&D capabilities, Montra Electric continues to invest in solutions tailored for Indian logistics and agricultural ecosystems.
Montra Electric is the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, operating under TI Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd. The company focuses on electrifying India’s transportation landscape through product innovation, localized manufacturing, and strategic investment in automation. With decades of manufacturing experience and a robust engineering legacy, Montra Electric delivers reliable, cost-effective electric solutions across commercial segments.
Founded over 125 years ago, the Murugappa Group is one of India’s most respected and diversified business conglomerates, with interests spanning agriculture, engineering, financial services, clean energy, and mobility. With ten publicly listed companies, including Tube Investments of India, Carborundum Universal, and Coromandel International, the Group has built an enduring reputation for innovation, governance, and community development.
Its brand portfolio includes Montra, Hercules, BSA, Ajax, Chola, Parry’s, Gromor, and many others. Today, the Group operates across 6 continents and remains committed to building sustainable, technology-driven businesses for the future.
