The first batch of the total 260 Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV trucks was flagged off. The deployment will help establish one of India’s longest electrified freight corridors, writes Richa Tyagi.
The electrification of India’s heavy-duty freight is expanding commercially. At the forefront is Montra Electric, the clean mobility arm of the Murugappa Group. Montra Electric recently deployed 65 heavy electric truck, Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 tractor trailer from its Manesar facility. Marking the first phase of a 260 Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 tractor trailer rollout, this deployment establishes one of India’s longest electrified freight corridors. Alongside the 55-tonne electric truck trailer Rhino, Montra Electric’s heavy commercial portfolio includes the Rhino 2838 EV, India’s first 28-tonne electric tipper truck engineered for demanding terrains, steep gradients and heavy loads.
Earlier, fleet operators have approached electric Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (eM&HCV) with understandable caution, limiting their use to localised, small-scale trials. That narrative is changing rapidly as businesses face mounting pressure to balance operational efficiency with corporate sustainability commitments. According to industry leaders, the conversation among logistics providers has pivoted from questioning the core viability of electric technology to calculating how quickly it can be integrated at scal
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.), said, “India’s heavy freight ecosystem has reached an important inflection point. Customers today are making electric trucks a part of their mainstream logistics operations rather than evaluating them through limited pilots. This shift is driving commercial-scale production at our Manesar facility, and we are proud to be supporting leading enterprises with products that combine performance, reliability and sustainability. Our focus remains on building an ecosystem that enables customers to transition confidently towards zero-emission freight.”
Navneet Sethi, CEO – eMHCV, Montra Electric (IPLTech Electric Pvt. Ltd.), said, “The conversation around electric trucking has fundamentally changed. Fleet operators are now asking how quickly they can scale, not whether the technology works. These are the most demanding freight applications, requiring uncompromised performance, high uptime and dependable operating economics. Rhino has been engineered precisely for these requirements, delivering a compelling combination of productivity, efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. With manufacturing now ramped up, we are well positioned to support the growing demand from customers across India’s industrial sectors.”
Engineering for Heavy Industry
The vehicle at the center of this deployment is the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 tractor trailer fixed battery variant. To serve the industries sectors like cement, steel, infrastructure, and mining effectively, an electric truck must offer more than just a green footprint; it must match or exceed the reliability, uptime, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of traditional diesel-powered counterparts. The Rhino 5538 EV addresses these requirements through an advanced electric powertrain, intelligent vehicle engineering, and connected telematics. By integrating real-time data tracking, fleet managers can optimise routes, monitor battery health, and ensure high operational uptime. The Rhino 5538 EV tractor-trailer is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) paired with a 282 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The electric powertrain produces a maximum output of 280 kW and 2,000 Nm of peak torque, channelled through a six-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The truck supports 240 kW CCS2 dual-gun fast charging, enabling the battery to be replenished from 20 to 100 percent state of charge in approximately 60 minutes, helping maximise fleet uptime. The Rhino is rated for a GCW of 55 tons and features a 4,000 mm wheelbase, a 16-metre turning circle, and low rolling resistance 295/90 R20 tyres. The D+1 fully suspended tiltable sleeper cabin is complemented by tilt and telescopic power steering, full-air dual-line S-cam brakes with ABS. It features an electric drivetrain that ensures low NVH levels by minimising cabin noise and vibration. Driver comfort is addressed through a suspended walk-through sleeper cabin, ergonomic layout, and an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The vehicle is engineered for a 98% operational uptime due to its reduced mechanical complexity, while maintenance costs and support are managed through a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC).
