In a bold stride toward sustainable logistics, Montra Electric, a subsidiary of the storied Murugappa Group, has unveiled the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT—a 55-ton electric prime mover designed to electrify India’s burgeoning commercial transport sector.
This launch not only introduces a powerhouse of an electric truck but also underscores Montra’s commitment to innovative infrastructure, including India’s inaugural all-women-managed automated battery-swap center and the integration of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) into its electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle lineup.
The Rhino 5538 EV arrives at a pivotal moment for India’s trucking industry, where diesel dominance is giving way to cleaner alternatives amid rising environmental pressures and government incentives for electrification. Priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant and ₹1.18 crore for the swappable option, this electric beast promises to slash operational costs while delivering robust performance.
At its core lies a 282 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, powering a 380 HP motor that churns out an impressive 2,000 Nm of torque—figures that rival traditional diesel counterparts without the emissions.
Paired with a smooth six-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the truck boasts an Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of approximately 198 km, making it ideal for urban and short-haul freight runs.
What truly sets the Rhino 5538 EV apart is its dual-variant flexibility: operators can opt for a fixed battery for straightforward setups or the groundbreaking swappable pack, which recharges in under six minutes—transforming downtime into uptime.
This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a game-changer for fleet managers grappling with charging bottlenecks. Montra backs this innovation with a comprehensive 10-year or 900,000 km Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), alongside tailored financing solutions, a 95% uptime guarantee, and cutting-edge telematics for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Complementing the truck’s debut, Montra inaugurated what it claims is India’s first all-women-managed automated battery-swap center, a facility that not only empowers female talent in a male-dominated field but also streamlines operations with robotic precision.
This center, capable of handling over 160 swaps per day in sub-six-minute intervals, directly addresses two of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption: prolonged charging times and high total cost of ownership (TCO).
Furthermore, the company has woven AGVs into its production ecosystem, enhancing efficiency in assembling electric medium and heavy commercial vehicles—a move that signals Montra’s holistic approach to scaling green mobility.
In an industry racing toward net-zero goals, Montra Electric is positioning itself as a trailblazer. By blending high-performance hardware with inclusive, automated infrastructure, the company isn’t just building trucks—it’s forging a blueprint for eco-friendly freight that could catapult India onto the global stage.
As adoption grows, expect the Rhino 5538 EV to haul more than cargo; it’ll carry the promise of a cleaner, more efficient tomorrow for Indian roads.
