In a significant boost to India’s electric freight ecosystem, Montra Electric has become the first manufacturer in the country to receive PM E-DRIVE certification for a heavy-duty electric truck. The milestone marks a major step forward in the government’s push to decarbonize commercial transportation.
Montra Electric also delivered the first PM E-DRIVE–certified electric truck, the Rhino 5538 EV, to UltraTech Cement Limited, signaling growing confidence among large industrial customers in electric heavy trucks.
Strengthening India’s Clean Logistics Push
Montra Electric is the electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle (e-M&HCV) arm of TI Clean Mobility Private Limited, part of the Murugappa Group. The company received certification under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, which aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across commercial segments.
The PM E-DRIVE program has a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹500 crore earmarked specifically for electric trucks.
What PM E-DRIVE Certification Means for Fleet Operators
For eligible electric trucks such as the Rhino 5538 EV, the scheme offers customer incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle, significantly improving the economics of electric freight adoption.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced upfront vehicle acquisition costs
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Protection from fuel price volatility
- Easier compliance with tightening emission regulations
Industry observers believe the scheme will accelerate electrification across cement logistics, mining, ports, steel plants, infrastructure projects, and long-haul freight corridors—sectors that account for a large share of India’s freight emissions.
First Certified Delivery to UltraTech Cement
The first PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 tractor-trailer was formally handed over to UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete manufacturer.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by:
- Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric
- Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric
- Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement
The delivery highlights increasing acceptance of electric heavy-duty trucks for high-utilization, industrial logistics operations.
Government Support for Freight Decarbonization
Commenting on the achievement, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, stated that the PM E-DRIVE scheme reflects India’s growing capabilities in heavy-duty EV manufacturing and aligns closely with the nation’s Net Zero commitments.
Rhino 5538 EV: Built for Indian Operating Conditions
Designed specifically for Indian duty cycles, the Rhino 5538 EV is available in 6×4 and 4×2 tractor-trailer configurations. Key specifications include:
- 282 kWh LFP battery
- 380 HP peak power
- 2000 Nm torque
- Up to 198 km range (standard test conditions)
- Battery swapping and fixed battery options (variant-dependent)
- Six-minute battery swap capability
These features make the truck ideal for fixed-route, hub-to-hub, and high-duty-cycle applications, where uptime and quick turnaround are critical.
Driving the Shift to Cleaner Freight
Heavy-duty trucks contribute disproportionately to India’s freight-related emissions. The PM E-DRIVE certification and deployment of the Rhino 5538 EV represent a major step toward cleaner, lower-carbon industrial transport, without compromising on performance or productivity.
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