Montra Electric Launches Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT with Battery Swapping Technology

Montra Electric eM&HCV (IPLTech Electric Private Ltd.), the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, has unveiled the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT, its latest electric heavy-duty truck, alongside the launch of battery swapping technology and the inauguration of India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant in Manesar, Haryana.

As per the firm's statement, the new Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT, powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, delivers 380 HP, 2000 Nm torque, and a GCW of 55 tons, with a range of 198 km per charge under test conditions. The truck features a 6-speed AMT transmission, robust chassis frame, and compatibility with multiple trailer types, designed for Indian operating conditions. Priced at INR 1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant, it comes with Montra’s 10-year/9 lakh km AMC contract, 95 percent uptime guarantee, advanced telematics, and tailored financing solutions.

The launch expands Montra’s Rhino portfolio, building on the success of India’s first heavy-duty e-truck, the Rhino 6x4 TT, which has already clocked over 1.2 crore kilometres in two years.

A key highlight was the battery swap technology for the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT and 6x4 TT. The swap takes under six minutes, compared to over an hour with fast charging. The 7+1 configuration enables over 160 swaps per day at peak utilisation, supported by a controlled charging environment that extends battery life. Its drive-through design, similar to a toll plaza, allows seamless movement of trucks with trailers.

The new Automated Battery Plant, monitored entirely by women, and a new conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) were also inaugurated, enhancing efficiency, localisation, and automation at the Manesar facility.

Speaking at the launch, Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.) said, "At Montra Electric, we are building products and services that directly address the biggest hurdles in commercial EV adoption. With innovations like battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks and purpose-built platforms across segments, we are making clean mobility seamless, reliable, and economically viable for fleet operators. This approach strengthens our vision of building a full-spectrum sustainable mobility ecosystem. Each step we take is designed to accelerate India’s shift towards cleaner logistics, ensuring that sustainable mobility becomes the norm rather than the exception."

Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility), said, “It is a milestone in Montra Electric’s journey of putting India firmly on the global map of sustainable mobility with the introduction of battery swapping technology. Launch of the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT, in one of the largest industry segments, demonstrates our commitment to innovation, localisation, and sustainability.."

With these developments, Montra Electric aims to tackle critical barriers such as long charging times and high operating costs, paving the way for the wider adoption of clean freight solutions.

The Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT will be offered in two variants, with battery swapping and with a fixed battery pack. Beyond heavy trucks, Montra Electric’s portfolio spans electric three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, and tractors, positioning it as one of India’s few full-spectrum players driving the transition to clean mobility.