Montra E-27 stakes a claim on low-cost farming with its North India debut. The ARAI-certified tractor boasts of performance driven capabilities, writes Richa Tyagi.
As electric mobility solutions gain momentum across India’s agricultural sector, Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of the diversified Murugappa Group, has rolled out its E-27 electric tractor in northern markets, featuring ARAI certification and a range of performance-driven capabilities. The launch comes at a time when the Indian agriculture sector is going through a gradual shift towards mechanisation and sustainable energy use. As diesel costs continue to affect farming economics and environmental considerations gain prominence, electric tractors are drawing increasing interest from both small and large-scale farmers. Lower operating expenses, reduced noise and vibration, and easier maintenance are among the factors influencing this change.
The Montra Electric E-27 is positioned as a compact electric tractor designed for routine agricultural tasks. It delivers 27 HP equivalent power and 90 Nm torque through a PMSM motor, supporting applications such as plowing, tilling, spraying, and haulage. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options are offered to cater to different farm conditions. The tractor is equipped with a 22.37 kWh LFP prismatic-cell battery, providing an estimated runtime of 4.5 hours and a charging time of around 2.15 hours. The model holds ARAI certification, indicating compliance with India’s regulatory standards for safety and performance. The model is available across 17 dealerships in 10 states, with prices starting at Rs. 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
Montra E-27 Specifications:
- Power Output: 27 HP equivalent
- Motor: PMSM motor delivering 90 Nm torque (constant torque)
- Battery: 22.37 kWh LFP prismatic-cell battery
- Runtime: Approx. 4.5 hours on a full charge
- Charging Time: About 2.15 hours
- Drivetrain Options: 2WD and 4WD
- Transmission: 8F + 2R side-shift transmission
- PTO: Dual-speed PTO – 540 rpm and 1000 rpm
- Hydraulic Lifting Capacity: 720 kg
Additional features include an 8F+2R side-shift transmission, dual-speed PTO (540 and 1000 rpm), and a 720 kg hydraulic lifting capacity. The company claims the E-27 can reduce operating costs by up to 70 per cent over its lifetime due to the absence of diesel consumption and lower maintenance requirements. The company further states that reduced noise and vibration from the electric drivetrain can enhance operator comfort. Speaking at the launch, Harish Prasad, CEO, Montra Electric Tractors, commented, “The expansion into the northern markets with our Montra Electric E-27 tractor is a pivotal milestone for us and a major step in India’s clean-mobility and agricultural transformation. Agriculture is the largest consumer of tractors, which makes electrification essential for achieving meaningful sustainability at scale. The E- 27 reflects our broader vision of building clean, accessible, and future-ready mobility solutions. By bringing zero-emission technology to India’s farmlands, we are aligning our mission of sustainable mobility with the nation’s long-term environmental and economic priorities. Farmers can now embrace innovative technology without compromising productivity, while substantially reducing their total cost of ownership.”
He further said, “Compared to a diesel tractor, an e-tractor performs better, particularly in terms of torque. The electric tractor uses a constant-torque motor, and in practical applications, the E-27 is equivalent to a 27 HP tractor. Whatever a 27 HP diesel tractor can do, this electric tractor can perform the same tasks, often in an even better manner.”
Before introducing the tractor into the market, the company carried out extensive validation for almost a year across various parts of India. “The response has been very good, particularly in the small-farm segment, where most farmers in India own two to three acres of land, and at most five acres. In these areas, we are seeing a lot of traction for this tractor. It is also performing very well in horticulture, floriculture, and similar applications. Additionally, we are receiving strong interest from government agencies such as waste-management departments and municipalities,” Harish added.
He continued, “To bring this knowledge and its advantages to our farmers, we are following a three-pronged approach: training farmers as well as demonstrators across India on various electric-tractor applications; promoting the adoption of these tractors in different use cases such as cultivators and sprayers; and establishing regional training centres. We have already opened one in Manesar, where farmers, dealers, and mechanics can come to receive extensive training on tractor usage, compatible implements, mechanical aspects, repairs, and maintenance. This helps build both confidence and knowledge about electric tractors, which are still new in the market. These are the steps we are taking.”
