Montra Electric Begins One of India's Largest EV Truck Deployments, Flags Off First 65 Rhino 5538 Electric Trucks

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Montra Electric begins deployment of 260 Rhino 5538 EV trucks, flags off first 65 units, strengthening India's electric freight network with heavy-duty zero-emission commercial vehicles.

Robin Kumar Attri

By Robin Kumar Attri

Jul 10, 2026 05:35 am IST
97.86 k
Montra Electric Flags Off 65 Rhino 5538 EV Trucks in India
Montra Electric Begins One of India's Largest EV Truck Deployments, Flags Off First 65 Rhino 5538 Electric Trucks

Key Highlights

  • First batch of 65 Rhino 5538 EV trucks flagged off from Manesar.

  • Total deployment includes 260 heavy-duty electric trucks.

  • Supports one of India's longest electrified freight corridors.

  • Rhino 5538 EV targets cement, steel, mining and infrastructure sectors.

  • Montra Electric expands manufacturing and service network for large-scale EV adoption.

Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, has flagged off the first batch of 65 Rhino 5538 EV heavy-duty electric trucks from its manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana. The dispatch marks the beginning of a phased rollout of 260 Rhino 5538 EV trucks, making it one of India's largest deployments of electric medium and heavy commercial vehicles (eM&HCVs).

The remaining trucks will be delivered over the coming months as part of the company's large-scale electrification plan for India's freight transportation sector.

Deployment to Build One of India's Longest Electrified Freight Corridors

The deployment will support major industrial applications and strategic freight routes across the country. It will also help establish one of India's longest electrified freight corridors, marking a significant step towards zero-emission heavy commercial transportation.

The initiative reflects the growing demand for electric heavy-duty trucks as businesses increasingly adopt sustainable logistics solutions while reducing operating costs and emissions.

Electric Trucks Move from Pilot Projects to Mainstream Operations

Montra Electric said India's freight industry is witnessing a major shift in electric truck adoption. While many fleet operators initially introduced electric trucks through pilot projects, businesses are now deploying them in regular commercial operations.

To meet this growing demand, the company has expanded production of its Rhino platform and continues to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities for large-scale deliveries.

Rhino 5538 EV Designed for Heavy-Duty Applications

The Rhino 5538 EV has been developed for demanding industrial operations that require reliable and high-performance transportation. It is suitable for industries such as:

  • Cement

  • Steel

  • Infrastructure

  • Construction materials

  • Mining

  • Other heavy freight applications

The electric truck is designed for long-haul, high-utilisation operations and offers dependable performance, improved productivity, and a lower total cost of ownership, helping fleet operators reduce operating expenses.

Advanced Technology for Better Fleet Management

The Rhino 5538 EV combines an advanced electric powertrain with connected telematics to improve fleet efficiency and vehicle monitoring. These features enable businesses to track vehicle performance, maximise uptime, and improve overall fleet management.

Leadership Highlights Industry Shift Towards Electric Freight

Speaking on the occasion, Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.), said India's heavy freight ecosystem has reached an important turning point, with customers now integrating electric trucks into mainstream logistics instead of limiting them to pilot programs.

He added that this shift is driving commercial-scale production at the Manesar plant and that Montra Electric remains focused on helping businesses transition confidently towards zero-emission freight transportation through products that deliver performance, reliability, and sustainability.

Fleet Operators Now Focus on Scaling Electric Truck Operations

Navneet Sethi, CEO - eMHCV, Montra Electric (IPLTech Electric Pvt. Ltd.), said the industry's conversation has changed from questioning electric truck technology to asking how quickly fleets can scale their operations.

According to him, the Rhino 5538 EV has been engineered to deliver high uptime, strong productivity, dependable performance, and lower operating costs for demanding freight applications. He also noted that the company's increased manufacturing capacity positions it well to meet rising customer demand across industrial sectors.

Montra Electric Expands Manufacturing and Customer Support

Along with increasing production, Montra Electric is strengthening its manufacturing facilities, service network, and customer support ecosystem to support large-scale fleet electrification across India.

The company has seen growing customer adoption across industries including cement, steel, infrastructure, and mining, where businesses are increasingly choosing electric heavy-duty trucks to improve efficiency while meeting sustainability goals.

Montra Electric's Growing Clean Mobility Portfolio

Operating under the Murugappa Group, Montra Electric has established its presence across four key business segments:

  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles

  • Mid and Small Commercial Vehicles

  • Last-Mile Three-Wheelers

  • Electric Tractors

Its product portfolio includes the Rhino heavy-duty electric truck, EVIATOR small commercial vehicle, Super Auto passenger three-wheeler, Super Cargo cargo vehicle, and the E-27 electric tractor.

Driving India's Zero-Emission Freight Future

The rollout of the first 65 Rhino 5538 EV trucks marks a major milestone for both Montra Electric and India's commercial vehicle industry. With all 260 trucks being delivered in phases, the company aims to accelerate freight electrification through indigenous innovation, advanced manufacturing, and customer-focused mobility solutions, supporting India's transition towards cleaner, zero-emission freight transportation.

Also Read: SWITCH EiV9 Electric Bus Debuts at Prawaas 5.0, Targets City, School and Staff Transport

CMV360 Says

Montra Electric's large-scale deployment of the Rhino 5538 EV marks a significant milestone in India's commercial vehicle electrification journey. As businesses increasingly adopt electric trucks for mainstream freight operations, the company is expanding production, service support, and manufacturing capabilities to meet rising demand. This rollout not only strengthens sustainable logistics but also supports India's long-term goal of building a cleaner, more efficient, and zero-emission freight transportation ecosystem.

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