Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group’s TI Clean Mobility, has launched its latest heavy-duty electric truck, the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, along with the inauguration of India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant at its eM&HCV manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana.
The newly introduced Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, designed for long-haul freight, comes with a 55-ton Gross Combination Weight (GCW) and offers flexibility with both battery swapping and fixed battery pack options. With the introduction of battery swap technology for the Rhino range, including the 4×2 TT and 6×4 TT, Montra Electric is redefining commercial EV adoption in India.
Battery Swapping in Just 6 Minutes
The advanced swapping system reduces downtime significantly, taking less than six minutes compared to over an hour with traditional fast charging. The fully automated setup, with a 7+1 configuration, can handle 160+ swaps daily, serving large fleets efficiently. Its drive-through design, similar to a toll plaza, allows seamless entry and exit for trucks with trailers, while controlled charging conditions help extend battery life.
Rhino 5538 EV – Power and Performance
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, with a tested range of nearly 198 km per charge. Featuring a 6-speed AMT transmission, robust chassis frame, and compatibility with multiple trailer types, the truck is engineered for Indian operating conditions. Priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant, the Rhino is supported by Montra Electric’s 10-year/9 lakh km AMC contract, offering 95% uptime, advanced telematics, and customized financing solutions.
Industry Leaders on the Launch
Mr. M A M Arunachalam (Arun Murugappan), Chairman of Montra Electric, highlighted:
“With innovations like heavy-duty truck battery swapping and purpose-built platforms, we are addressing key adoption barriers. Our goal is to make clean mobility reliable, seamless, and economically viable while accelerating India’s shift to sustainable logistics.”
Mr. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric, added:
“The Rhino 5538 EV launch, supported by automation, battery swapping, and localization, positions India as a global hub for sustainable freight. With government backing through schemes like PM E-DRIVE, e-truck adoption is set to grow rapidly.”
Advancing India’s Clean Freight Ecosystem
The inauguration of the Automated Battery Plant, monitored entirely by women, along with a new eM&HCV conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), enhances efficiency, safety, and reliability in production.
By solving critical barriers such as long charging times and high operating costs, Montra Electric’s battery swapping technology is expected to accelerate the adoption of clean freight solutions and support India’s climate goals.
With this launch, Montra Electric strengthens its presence as one of the few full-spectrum clean mobility players, offering solutions across electric three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, tractors, and heavy trucks.
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