Montra Electric Launches The All New Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT And InauguratesFully Automated Battery Plant

Gurugram, 28th September 2025: Montra Electric eM&HCV (IPLTech Electric Private Limited), the clean mobility brand of the diversified Murugappa Group, today announced the launch of the new Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT and introduced Battery Swap technology for its Rhino range of trucks.

The vehicles were launched at Montra Electric’s eM&HCV (electric medium & heavy commercial vehicle) manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana. The new facility includes India’s first all-women, fully automated battery plant and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) integrated with conveyor lines.

The new Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 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 4x2 TT and the battery swap technology were unveiled in the presence of Mr. M A M Arunachalam (Arun Murugappan), Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited), and Mr. Vellayan Subbiah, Vice-Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited).

This launch marks the expansion of Montra Electric’s Rhino EV truck portfolio, building on the success of India’s first heavy-duty electric truck, the 6x4 TT, which has already clocked over 1.2 crore kilometres within just two years of its debut.

The battery swap process takes less than 6 minutes, compared to over an hour with conventional fast charging. Built with a 7+1 configuration and advanced automation, the station can handle over 160 swaps per day at peak utilization 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 4x2 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. 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.

Mr. Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.), said, “At Montra Electric, we are building products and services which directly address the biggest hurdles in their 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.”

Mr. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility), said, “This is a proud milestone for Montra Electric as we put India firmly on the global map of sustainable mobility with the introduction of battery swapping technology. The launch of the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT, in one of the largest segments, demonstrates our commitment to innovation, localization, and sustainability.

We are addressing one of the industry’s biggest barriers while unlocking efficiency, reliability, and profitability for fleet operators. With the government’s push through initiatives like the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the adoption of e-trucks is going to gather momentum.”

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 4x2 TT will be available in two variants, with options for battery swapping and 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.