TVS VMS and Montra Electric Launch 57 Rhino Electric Trucks for Chhattisgarh Logistics

TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions (TVS VMS) and Montra Electric have launched a fleet of 57 Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT electric heavy commercial vehicles. These trucks will operate on a key logistics corridor in Chhattisgarh as part of the initial deployment phase. This marks TVS VMS's first entry into electric trucking, after more than 70 years of using fossil fuel-based vehicles.

Key Highlights

• TVS VMS deploys 57 Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV trucks for Chhattisgarh logistics corridor
• Fleet expansion to over 300 electric trucks planned for financial year 2026-27
• Rhino 5538 EV features 282 kWh battery and 198 km tested range per charge
• Three dedicated charging stations support 190 km route for continuous operations
• Partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions and support India's Net Zero goals

The deployment aims to advance sustainable commercial transportation in India. Both companies plan to expand the fleet to over 300 electric trucks in the 2026-27 financial year. The initiative supports India's Net Zero emissions and renewable energy goals while offering lower operating expenses and reduced total cost of ownership for freight customers.

Strategic Partnership Details

TVS VMS, a division of TVS Mobility Group, and Montra Electric, the eM&HCV division of the Murugappa Group, have formed a strategic partnership. The flag-off ceremony in Manesar brought together senior leaders from both companies, including Navneet Sethi, CEO of Montra Electric (eM&HCV Division), and Madhu Raghunath, CEO of TVS VMS.

The 57 electric trucks will travel a 190 km lead distance. Three dedicated charging stations have been set up along the route to ensure constant uptime and smooth operations. The trucks are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and diesel consumption in freight transport.

Montra Electric produces the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT at its facility in Manesar. The vehicle is designed for heavy-duty, long-haul operations and has a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tonnes.

Rhino 5538 EV Specifications

The Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT is powered by a 282 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. It uses a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that delivers 2,000 Nm of torque and 280 kW of peak power. The truck features an 18% gradeability and a 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) gearbox.

The truck's tested range is up to 198 km per charge on a one-way loaded, one-way empty duty cycle. Two variants are available: a standard fixed-battery model and a battery-swap model. The fixed-battery version can charge from 20% to 100% State of Health (SOH) in about 60 minutes. The battery-swap model allows a full battery replacement in less than 6 minutes, reducing downtime on busy routes.

Industry Impact and Future Plans

The partnership between TVS VMS and Montra Electric is seen as a significant step in India's transition to green mobility. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, stated that this deployment validates the readiness of electric trucks for commercial-scale operations in India. Navneet Sethi, CEO of Montra Electric (eM&HCV Division), emphasized that the move addresses doubts about electric heavy commercial vehicles' ability to handle sustained heavy-load freight.

TVS VMS plans to use its full-suite lifecycle management platform to support the transition. This platform integrates vehicle leasing, driver operations, maintenance, insurance, charging, and telematics for zero-emission fleet operations.

Montra Electric, owned by the Murugappa Group, operates in four business verticals: electric heavy commercial vehicles, small commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, and tractors. The company's portfolio includes the Rhino 5538 EV, EVIATOR SCV, SUPER AUTO, and SUPER CARGO.