Montra Electric, part of the Murugappa Group, has introduced the Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck 4×2 TT, expanding its electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle portfolio. The launch took place at the company’s Manesar facility, where an Automated Battery Plant and conveyor line with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) were also inaugurated. With its 55-ton capacity and new battery swapping option, the Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck is positioned as a long-haul freight solution.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck – Exterior Design
The Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck’s exterior reflects its heavy-duty nature, with a reinforced chassis designed to support a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tons. The grille is closed since it is an EV and not a conventional diesel truck. Functional elements such as a wide front fascia, and aerodynamic panels are included to balance cooling requirements with efficiency.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck – Interior Design
Inside, the Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck emphasizes driver comfort and efficiency. The company claims that cabin is built for extended duty cycles, with ergonomics and ease of operation at the forefront. A six-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) handles the transmission duties, while telematics integration offers real-time fleet monitoring. Although not luxury-oriented, the interiors deliver the functionality expected from a long-haul freight truck, ensuring reduced fatigue for operators covering hundreds of kilometres.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck – Battery Pack and Range
At its core, the Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery pack. The setup generates 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, with a claimed range of about 198 km. The vehicle is available in two configurations: a fixed battery pack and a swappable pack. The battery swapping feature is a key differentiator, enabling a full exchange in less than six minutes, compared to over an hour with fast charging.
Mr. 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. This approach strengthens our vision of building a full-spectrum sustainable mobility ecosystem. 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.”
The swap stations employ a 7+1 layout and can manage more than 160 swaps daily at peak utilization. Designed as drive-through facilities, they accommodate trailers without requiring disconnection, much like a toll plaza, while offering controlled charging environments to extend battery life.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck – Safety Features
Safety and uptime are central to the offering. The truck comes with an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) of 10 years or 9 lakh km, Montra also makes a strong claim of a 95% uptime guarantee. The swap station’s controlled charging further enhances operational safety by preventing premature battery degradation.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck – Market Positioning and Price
With an ex-factory price of ₹1.15 crore for the fixed-battery variant, the Rhino enters a developing but significant segment. It follows the Rhino 6×4 TT, which has already recorded 1.2 crore km on Indian roads. Positioned as a solution for high-volume fleet operators, the Rhino competes not only with early-stage electric trucks but also with established diesel models that continue to dominate India’s CV market.
Rival products in this weight category remain limited, but the Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck distinguishes itself with its battery swap capability. As government initiatives such as the PM E-DRIVE scheme support EV adoption, the vehicle’s success will depend on the scaling of swap infrastructure and the willingness of operators to transition from diesel fleets.
Montra Rhino 5538 e-Truck- Manufacturing Expansion
Beyond the vehicle itself, Montra Electric inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant. The Manesar site also introduced a conveyor line equipped with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). These upgrades reflect the company’s investment in localized production, automation, and workforce inclusivity. Together, they aim to improve manufacturing efficiency and support the broader ecosystem for commercial EVs.
