Montra Electric launches the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT and inaugurates automated battery plant

By Staff Report September 29, 2025 6:26 pm IST

The Automated Battery Plant, monitored by women, is inaugurated along with the new eM&HCV conveyor line deploying Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV).

Montra Electric eM&HCV (IPLTech Electric Private Limited), the clean mobility brand of the diversified Murugappa Group, launched the new Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT and introduced Battery Swap for its Rhino range of trucks. The vehicles were launched at their eM&HCV (electric medium & heavy commercial vehicle) manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana.

Montra Electric eM&HCV also inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored, Automated Battery Plant and a new conveyor line integrated with ‘Automated Guided Vehicles’ (AGVs).

The new Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT marks a defining moment for India, catapulting the nation into the global league of electric mobility and sustainable freight solutions.

The new Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT and the battery swap technology were unveiled in the presence of M A M Arunachalam (Arun Murugappan), Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited), and  Vellayan Subbiah, Vice-Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited). The launch marks the expansion of Montra Electric’s Rhino EV truck’s portfolio, building on the success of India’s first heavy-duty electric truck, the 6×4 TT, which has already clocked over 1.2 crore kilometres within just two years of its debut.

The swap takes less than 6 minutes, compared to over an hour with conventional fast charging. Built with a 7+1 configuration and advanced automation, it can handle over 160 swaps per day at peak utilisation and serve hundreds of vehicles based on fleet usage. Its controlled charging environment extends battery life, while the drive-through design enables trucks with trailers to move in and out seamlessly, much like a toll plaza.

The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, with a range of nearly 198 km on a single charge under standard test conditions. Its 6-speed AMT transmission, robust chassis frame, and compatibility with multiple trailer types make it a versatile solution for long-haul freight. With a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tons, the Rhino is purpose-built for Indian operating conditions, offering performance, reliability, and reduced operating costs. The truck is priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant. It is backed by Montra Electric’s unique AMC contract for 10 years/9 lakh km, with a 95% uptime guarantee, advanced telematics, and tailored financing solutions.

Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.) said, “At Montra Electric, we are building products and services that directly address the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption. With innovations like battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks and purpose-built platforms across segments, we are making clean mobility seamless, reliable, and economically viable for fleet operators. Each step we take is designed to accelerate India’s shift towards cleaner logistics, ensuring that sustainable mobility becomes the norm rather than the exception.”

Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility), said, “Launch of the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, in one of the largest industry segments, demonstrates our commitment to innovation, localisation, and sustainability. All the new additions to our manufacturing facility, automated battery plant, battery swap technology and the conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), will collectively unlock greater efficiency, reliability, and localisation.”

The introduction of battery swapping technology helps tackle critical barriers such as long charging times and high operational costs. With this step, Montra Electric is paving the way for the wider adoption of clean transport solutions that support logistics players while contributing meaningfully to India’s climate ambitions.

The newly launched Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT will be available in two variants, with options for battery swapping and with a standard integrated battery pack. Beyond heavy commercial vehicles, Montra Electric’s portfolio also includes electric three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, and tractors, making it one of the few full-spectrum players driving India’s clean mobility transition.