Montra Electric Delivers India’s First PM E-DRIVE Certified Electric Heavy Truck

Key Highlights

• India’s first PM E-DRIVE-certified electric heavy truck delivered.

• Rhino 5538 EV qualifies for incentives up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.

• Delivered to UltraTech Cement in Manesar on 28 January 2026.

• 380 HP, 2000 Nm torque, nearly 198 km range with fast battery swapping.

• Boosts electric truck adoption in logistics, mining, and infrastructure.

Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV arm of TI Clean Mobility Private Limited under the Murugappa Group, has created history by becoming India’s first manufacturer to receive PM E-DRIVE certification for a heavy-duty electric truck. Marking this milestone, the company delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV 6x4 tractor-trailer to UltraTech Cement Limited in Manesar on 28 January 2026.

First Certified E-Truck Handed Over to UltraTech Cement

The ceremonial flag-off and handover were led by Mr. Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accelerating electric mobility in India’s commercial vehicle space. The event was attended by Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric, and Shri Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement Limited, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration in clean freight adoption.

PM E-DRIVE Certification Boosts Electric Truck Adoption

The PM E-DRIVE certification significantly strengthens the commercial viability of electric heavy-duty trucks. Under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, the government has allocated ₹500 crore specifically for e-trucks, enabling customer incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle for the Rhino 5538 EV. These incentives lower operating costs, reduce fuel price risks, and help fleet operators meet evolving emission and sustainability norms.

This development is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks across logistics, mining, infrastructure, manufacturing, cement, and steel sectors, where heavy vehicles contribute heavily to freight emissions.

Government Push Towards Net-Zero Freight

Commenting on the achievement, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, said the PM E-DRIVE scheme reflects India’s growing innovation strength in heavy-duty electric vehicles. He highlighted that electric trucks are crucial to achieving India’s Net Zero goals and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat, while appreciating Montra Electric for delivering the first certified heavy electric truck.

Montra Electric’s Vision for Clean Freight

Mr. Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric, stated that decarbonising freight is one of India’s most critical energy transition challenges. He thanked the Government of India and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing progressive policies like PM E-DRIVE, which are vital for reducing emissions in high-impact segments such as heavy commercial vehicles. He reaffirmed Montra Electric’s commitment to delivering scalable and reliable electric M&HCV solutions.

Rhino 5538 EV: Built for Indian Conditions

Designed for demanding Indian operations, the Rhino 5538 EV tractor-trailer range is available in 6x4 and 4x2 variants. The 4x2 version offers battery swapping and fixed battery options, including six-minute battery swaps. It is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, producing 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, with a driving range of nearly 198 km under standard test conditions.

These features make the Rhino 5538 EV ideal for high-utilisation, fixed-route, and hub-to-hub operations across ports, mining sites, cement logistics, steel plants, and long-haul freight corridors.

Driving India’s Clean Mobility Future

With heavy-duty trucks accounting for a disproportionate share of freight emissions, the PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV represents a key step towards cleaner industrial growth and net-zero transportation. Montra Electric plans to work closely with customers, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to scale electric heavy truck deployment across India’s core economic sectors.

Also Read: Eicher Pro X EV Makes History by Completing Kashmir to Kanyakumari Journey, Sets Four National Records

CMV360 Says

Montra Electric’s delivery of India’s first PM E-DRIVE-certified electric heavy truck marks a major leap in the country’s clean mobility journey. Backed by strong government incentives and advanced vehicle technology, the Rhino 5538 EV improves fleet economics while cutting emissions. This milestone strengthens India’s push towards sustainable freight transport, supporting net-zero goals and accelerating electric truck adoption across key industrial sectors.