Montra Electric Gears Up for New Sub-3.5-Tonne Electric Truck Launch in 2025, LCV to Follow

Key Highlights

• New sub-3.5T SCV launching in 2025.

• LCV in the 3.5–7.5T range to follow.

• SCV EV penetration may reach 20% by 2030.

• Montra is expanding its network to 25 outlets.

• Ponneri plant capacity is 50,000 units.

Montra Electric, the EV arm of the Murugappa Group, is preparing for a major expansion in India’s electric commercial vehicle market. After launching its first 3.5-tonne Eviator earlier this year, the company is now developing a new small commercial vehicle (SCV) in the sub-3.5-tonne category, planned for launch next year. This will be followed by a new light commercial vehicle (LCV) in the 3.5–7.5-tonne range, according to senior company officials.

Also Read: Volvo Group Names Dr. Satya Dubey as New Global Head of Battery Expert (R&D)

New SCV Coming in 2025

Montra Electric will introduce a new model in the 2–3.5-tonne SCV category, but at a lower tonnage than the Eviator. The company sees strong demand for electric SCVs, especially for last-mile delivery, urban logistics, and cleaner fleet operations.

CEO of Montra’s SCV division, Saju Nair, confirmed the upcoming expansion.

He said the current Eviator platform will have around 10 variants with different battery and application configurations. Alongside this, Montra is developing a lower-tonnage electric SCV and later plans to roll out a higher-tonnage product as well.

India’s SCV Market: A High-Growth Opportunity

India’s SCV segment has become the largest category in the goods carrier market, driven by e-commerce, retail growth, and rising demand for last-mile connectivity.

Key figures from FY25:

• Total goods carrier CVs (excluding 3-wheelers): 956,671 units

• SCVs (2–3.5 tonne, N1 category): 310,696 units

• Vehicles below 2 tonnes: 155,927 units

• LCVs (3.5–7.5 tonne): 61,422 units

Over the past decade, the sub-3.5-tonne market has expanded from 360,000 units in FY14 to nearly 500,000 units today, showing strong and steady growth.

Why SCVs Are the Best Fit for Electrification

Industry experts see SCVs as the “sweet spot” for EV adoption. The reasons include:

• Short, predictable operating routes

• Moderate payload requirements

• High utilisation in last-mile delivery

• Lower running costs for fleet owners

Currently, EV penetration in the SCV space is around 1%, but Montra Electric expects it to rise to 5% next year and reach 20% by 2030 as more electric SCVs enter the market.

LCV Launch Under Evaluation

Montra Electric is also studying the 3.5–7.5-tonne LCV category. If the market potential supports electrification and viable volumes, the company aims to launch an electric LCV next year.

Growing Network and Scaling Strategy

Montra currently sells its SCVs through 20 touchpoints across India and plans to expand this number to 25 by the end of the financial year.

Nair says the company’s focus in the current year is to introduce its vehicles in as many use cases as possible and onboard large customers. From next year, Montra will shift its attention to scaling up volumes.

Addressing Customer Concerns

Potential buyers often seek improvements in:

• Driver comfort

• Load space design

• Energy efficiency

Montra sees these gaps as opportunities to deliver differentiated and superior electric SCVs and LCVs.

Big Plans and Strong Tailwinds

The company expects strong support from:

• Government initiatives promoting clean transport

• A growing EV ecosystem

• Private companies adopting EVs to meet ESG goals

Montra Electric aims to build a complete electric commercial vehicle portfolio, including:

• Heavy trucks

• Mid and small CVs

• Last-mile 3-wheelers

• Electric tractors

It has an ambitious target of reaching $1 billion in revenue by 2030, with more than half coming from its medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) business.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Montra’s SCV and LCV manufacturing takes place at its Ponneri facility in Tamil Nadu, which has:

• 50,000 annual production capacity

• 5 lakh sq. ft. plant area

The M&HCV business operates under IPLTech Electric, which runs a facility in Manesar, Haryana. The division recently launched the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 tractor-trailer, strengthening Montra’s position in the heavy EV truck market.

Also Read: Montra Electric Launches Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT and India’s First Automated Battery Plant

CMV360 says

Montra Electric is gearing up for strong growth in India’s fast-expanding electric commercial vehicle market. With a new sub-3.5-tonne SCV coming next year and an LCV planned soon after, the company aims to capture rising demand for clean, efficient last-mile mobility. Backed by a growing network, strong manufacturing capabilities, and supportive market trends, Montra is well-positioned to scale its EV portfolio and move closer to its 2030 revenue goals.