India’s freight industry just witnessed a revolution. The Montra Rhino 5538 EV—a 55-tonne electric beast—is here to prove that heavy-duty logistics can go green without going broke. And the real kicker? You can swap its massive battery in under 6 minutes.
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Montra Rhino : Meet India’s New Electric Heavyweight
Forget everything you thought you knew about electric trucks. The Murugappa Group’s Montra Electric has launched the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT, a long-haul freight truck that doesn’t just whisper about sustainability—it roars with 380 horsepower and 2000 Nm of torque.
Priced at Rs 1.15 crore (ex-factory), this isn’t just another electric vehicle. It’s a statement that India’s logistics sector is ready to ditch diesel for good.
The Specs That Matter
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gross Combination Weight (GCW) | 55 tonnes |
| Battery Type | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity | 282 kWh |
| Power Output | 380 HP |
| Torque | 2000 Nm |
| Range | 198 km (standard test) |
| Transmission | 6-speed AMT |
| Price | Rs 1.15 crore (ex-factory) |
| Warranty/AMC | 10 years / 9 lakh km |
| Uptime Guarantee | 95% |
Battery Swap: The Real Game-Changer
Here’s where Montra separates itself from the pack. While most electric trucks need over an hour for fast charging, the Rhino’s battery swapping system gets you back on the road in under 6 minutes.
Think of it as a pit stop, not a parking lot wait. Drive in with an empty battery, drive out with a full one—trailer attached and all. The system handles up to 160 swaps daily, designed like a toll plaza for seamless flow.
Why Battery Swapping Wins:
- Time Savings: 6 minutes vs. 60+ minutes charging
- Extended Battery Life: Controlled charging environment reduces wear
- Zero Downtime: No waiting means more trips, more revenue
- Flexibility: Fixed or swappable battery options available
Built for the Long Haul
This isn’t Montra’s first rodeo. Their Rhino 6×4 TT, India’s first heavy-duty EV truck, has already covered over 1.2 crore kilometers since launch. That’s equivalent to circling the Earth 300 times—proof that electric heavyweights can handle real-world punishment.
The new 4×2 TT variant features a robust chassis compatible with multiple trailer types, making it versatile for everything from containerized cargo to bulk freight.
India’s First All-Women Battery Plant
In a powerful move, Montra inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant at their Manesar facility in Haryana. Combined with new Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and a modern conveyor line, this facility represents a leap forward in both gender equality and manufacturing excellence.
Advanced Manufacturing Features:
- All-women monitoring team
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
- Advanced conveyor integration
- Localized production capabilities
- Enhanced efficiency with reduced manual intervention
Who Should Consider the Rhino?
Perfect for:
- Long-haul freight operators
- Fleet managers prioritizing sustainability
- Companies facing diesel price volatility
- Businesses seeking government incentives (PM E-DRIVE scheme)
- Operators with predictable routes under 200km
Consider alternatives if:
- Your routes regularly exceed 200km without swap stations
- You operate in remote areas without infrastructure
- Initial capital investment is a major barrier
The Economics Make Sense
At Rs 1.15 crore, the Rhino isn’t cheap. But factor in:
- Zero fuel costs: Electricity is dramatically cheaper than diesel
- Lower maintenance: Electric motors have fewer moving parts
- 10-year AMC: Guaranteed 95% uptime means consistent revenue
- Government incentives: PM E-DRIVE scheme benefits
- Predictable operating costs: No diesel price shocks
For fleet operators running 500+ km daily, the payback period could be under 4-5 years.
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, emphasizes that these innovations “directly address the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption,” making clean mobility “seamless, reliable, and economically viable.”
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, highlights that with government support through initiatives like PM E-DRIVE, “the adoption of e-trucks is set to accelerate rapidly.”
The Road Ahead
India spends billions importing fuel annually. Every diesel truck replaced by an electric one keeps that money in the country while cutting emissions dramatically.
The Montra Rhino isn’t perfect—its 198km range won’t suit every application. But with battery swapping infrastructure rolling out and technology improving rapidly, this truck represents the beginning, not the end, of India’s electric freight revolution.
For logistics companies serious about sustainability without sacrificing profitability, the Rhino has just made that decision a whole lot easier.
