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

Key Highlights

• Montra Electric launches Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT truck.

• Battery swap tech allows swaps in under 6 minutes.

• Inaugurates India’s first all-women monitored battery plant.

• New AGV-enabled conveyor line boosts production efficiency.

• Rhino truck priced at ₹1.15 crore with 10-year AMC.

Gurugram, 28th September 2025: Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, has launched its all-new Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT along with India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant at its eM&HCV manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana. The company also introduced battery swap technology for its Rhino range of electric trucks, significantly reducing downtime for fleet operators.

Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT – A New Era for Freight Mobility

The newly launched Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT is designed for long-haul freight and is purpose-built for Indian conditions. The truck is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, delivers 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque, and offers a range of up to 198 km on a single charge under standard test conditions.

Key features include:

• 55-ton GCW (Gross Combination Weight)

• 6-speed AMT transmission

• Robust chassis frame compatible with multiple trailer types

• Priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant

• 10-year/9 lakh km AMC contract with 95% uptime guarantee

This model expands Montra Electric’s Rhino portfolio, which already includes India’s first heavy-duty electric 6x4 TT truck — a vehicle that has clocked 1.2 crore km in just two years since launch.

Battery Swap Technology – Game-Changer for EV Trucking

Montra Electric’s new battery swap system allows a complete battery replacement in under six minutes, compared to over an hour with fast charging.

Highlights of the battery swap technology:

• 7+1 configuration, capable of handling 160+ swaps per day

• Controlled charging environment for longer battery life

• Drive-through design for seamless truck movement

• Available for both Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT and 6x4 TT models

This innovation addresses major barriers to EV adoption in commercial transport, such as long charging times and operational downtime.

Automated Battery Plant & AGV Conveyor Line

Montra Electric also inaugurated India’s first fully automated battery plant monitored by women. The facility uses Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to enhance production efficiency and reduce human error.

This new facility and conveyor line will strengthen Montra Electric’s commitment to localization, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.

Leadership Speaks

Mr. Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, said: “We are building products and services that remove the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption. Battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks makes clean mobility seamless, reliable, and economically viable for fleet operators.”

Mr. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, added: “This is a milestone in our journey of putting India on the global map of sustainable mobility. Our battery swap technology, automated battery plant, and AGV-enabled production line will boost efficiency and help accelerate e-truck adoption under initiatives like PM E-DRIVE.”

Also Read: Montra Electric Partners with Govt. of India’s NHEV to Deploy 1000+ Electric Trucks

CMV360 Says

Montra Electric’s launch of the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT and battery swap technology sets a new benchmark for India’s electric freight industry. Together with the automated battery plant, these innovations will reduce downtime, cut operational costs, and accelerate adoption of sustainable logistics solutions across the country.