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Montra Electric, a part of the Murugappa Group, is significantly expanding its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio beyond its current offerings of three-wheelers, tractors, and tippers. The company is now exploring the manufacture of all categories of electric trucks, including light-duty and heavy-duty models. This strategic move is bolstered by the recent commissioning of its new manufacturing plant in Manesar, Haryana.
The Murugappa Group has committed a substantial ₹3,000 crore investment to its EV business, supporting its facilities across Manesar and Tamil Nadu, as well as new product development. Montra Electric currently operates in four segments: electric three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors, and commercial vehicles. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director of Montra Electric, confirmed that the investment covers all these areas, with a significant portion already deployed.
On Sunday, the company unveiled its new 55-tonne electric truck, the Rhino 5538 EV 4x2 TT. This truck is available in two variants, offering flexibility with options for battery swapping or a fixed battery pack. The ex-factory price starts at ₹1.15 crore. Montra Electric is also working towards securing certification under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which would enable customers to avail government subsidies. Gupta expressed optimism about obtaining certification within a month.
The Rhino 5538 EV is powered by a 282 kWh Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering 380 horsepower (HP) and 2000 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, with a range of approximately 198 km on a single charge under standard conditions. Gupta highlighted the role of advanced manufacturing technologies, including an automated battery plant, battery swap technology, and conveyor lines integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), in enhancing efficiency and localization. These advancements are intended to position India as a leader in clean freight solutions, with government support through schemes like PM E-DRIVE expected to accelerate e-truck adoption.
Impact: This expansion into the electric truck segment positions Montra Electric and the Murugappa Group to capture a larger share of the burgeoning commercial EV market in India. It can lead to increased competition, drive technological innovation, and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in the logistics sector. The investment and product launch signal strong confidence in India's EV ecosystem.
Rating: 7/10
Difficult Terms:
EV (Electric Vehicle): A vehicle that is propelled by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
LFP battery (Lithium Ferro Phosphate): A type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its safety, long cycle life, and thermal stability, commonly used in electric vehicles.
HP (Horsepower): A unit of power, often used to measure the engine's power output.
Nm (Newton-meter): A unit of torque, which measures rotational force. Higher torque indicates better acceleration and hauling capability.
PM E-DRIVE scheme: Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement scheme, a government initiative to promote electric mobility by providing subsidies and incentives.
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): Robotic vehicles used in factories and warehouses to transport materials automatically without human intervention, often guided by sensors or predetermined paths.