Montra Launches Rhino 5538 EV Truck: Montra Electric, the clean mobility arm of the Murugappa Group, has taken a bold step in India’s electric freight ecosystem with the launch of the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, a 55-ton electric heavy-duty truck. The launch, held on September 28, 2025, at the company’s state-of-the-art eM&HCV manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana, also introduced battery-swapping technology for the Rhino series—an innovation aimed at redefining operational efficiency for commercial fleet operators.
Power and Performance
The Rhino 5538 EV is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) paired with a 282 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. This combination delivers 380 HP of power and an impressive 2,000 Nm of torque, ensuring strong pulling capacity for India’s demanding logistics sector. On a single charge, the truck achieves a range of up to 198 km under standard test conditions.
Built for durability, the Rhino comes with a 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), a robust chassis, and compatibility with multiple trailer types. It also offers a spacious, tiltable sleeper cabin with full suspension, designed for long-haul comfort. With a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tonnes, the model underscores Montra Electric’s focus on high-capacity freight solutions.
Variants and Pricing
The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is available in two configurations:
- Fixed-battery variant – Priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory)
- Battery-swapping variant – Priced at ₹1.18 crore (ex-factory)
It comes with a 10-year/9 lakh km Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), 95% uptime guarantee, and advanced telematics support—factors crucial for fleet operators looking for reliability and cost-efficiency.
Battery Swapping: A Game-Changer
One of the most remarkable features of the Rhino 5538 EV is its automated battery-swapping technology. Unlike fast charging, which takes over an hour, the system enables a full battery replacement in less than six minutes.
The swapping stations feature a 7+1 configuration, designed to handle more than 160 swaps daily at peak usage. Their toll plaza-like design allows seamless drive-through operations, significantly reducing downtime and maximizing fleet productivity. This innovation positions Montra as a pioneer in making heavy-duty EVs more practical for India’s logistics industry.
Manufacturing and Innovation Push
Alongside the truck launch, Montra Electric inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored automated battery plant in Manesar. The facility, integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), reflects the company’s push towards automation, localisation, and inclusivity in manufacturing.
The Manesar facility has an annual capacity of 6,000 eHCVs, scalable to 7,500 units, and forms part of the Murugappa Group’s ₹3,000 crore investment plan across Montra Electric’s four business verticals.
Strengthening Market Presence
The Rhino 5538 EV builds on the success of Montra’s earlier 6×4 TT heavy-duty e-truck, which has already clocked over 1.2 crore km within two years. By offering both fixed and swappable battery options, Montra is addressing a wider spectrum of customer needs in India’s evolving logistics market.
At the launch, Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, highlighted: “With innovations like battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks and purpose-built platforms, we are making clean mobility seamless, reliable, and economically viable for fleet operators.”
The Road Ahead
With government certification under the PM E-DRIVE scheme expected by October 2025, customers may soon benefit from subsidies that will further enhance the truck’s commercial appeal.
The Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is not just another entry in the EV market—it’s a milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable logistics. By merging high performance with disruptive battery-swapping technology, Montra Electric has positioned itself at the forefront of the heavy-duty EV revolution.
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