Montra Electric EM&HCV has launched its latest innovation in electric commercial vehicles — the Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT — along with a pioneering battery swap for the Rhino range of trucks at its electric medium and heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Manesar, Haryana. The launch marks the expansion of Montra Electric’s Rhino EV truck portfolio, building on the success of the 6×4 TT introduced two years ago.
Additionally, Montra also inaugurated India’s first all-women monitored Automated Battery Plant and introduced a new conveyor line integrated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to enhance manufacturing efficiency, the company said in an official release.
Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT: Price, features, other details
The newly launched Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery, delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque. It offers a driving range of nearly 198 km on a single charge under standard test conditions. Equipped with a 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), a durable chassis, and compatibility with various trailer types, the truck is designed for heavy-duty long-haul freight with a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 55 tons. It will be available in two variants, with options for battery swapping and with a standard integrated battery pack.
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Priced at Rs 1.15 crore (ex-factory) for the fixed-battery variant, the vehicle is backed by Montra Electric’s unique AMC contract for 10 years/9 lakh km, with a 95 per cent uptime guarantee, advanced telematics, and tailored financing solutions.
Battery Swap Technology
According to the company, this battery swapping technology takes less than 6 minutes, whereas traditional fast charging takes more than an hour. Built with a 7+1 configuration and advanced automation, it can handle over 160 swaps per day at peak usage and can service hundreds of vehicles depending on fleet usage. It says its controlled charging environment extends battery life, while the drive-through design enables trucks with trailers to travel in and out, much like at a toll plaza.
The introduction of battery swapping technology also helps tackle critical barriers such as long charging times and high operational costs.
Speaking at the launch, Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.) said, “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 4×2 TT, in one of the largest industry segments, demonstrates our commitment to innovation, localization, and sustainability.”
