Montra Electric Delivers India’s First PM E-DRIVE Certified Electric Heavy-Duty Truck
Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV arm of the Murugappa Group, has delivered India’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified heavy-duty electric truck, the Rhino 5538 EV, to UltraTech Cement Limited—marking a major milestone in decarbonising long-haul freight and accelerating the adoption of electric commercial vehicles in India.
MANESAR, January 28, 2026 – Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV arm of the Murugappa Group, has achieved a historic milestone by securing India’s first PM E-DRIVE certification for a heavy-duty electric truck. Marking this achievement, the company delivered the country’s first certified electric tractor-trailer, the Rhino 5538 EV (6x4), to UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s leading cement and ready-mix concrete producer.
The certification, granted under the Government of India's ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE Scheme, makes the Rhino 5538 EV eligible for substantial customer incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
Enhancing Commercial Viability for Electric Freight
This certification is a game-changer for N3 category (heavy-duty) vehicles. By unlocking significant subsidies, the PM E-DRIVE scheme addresses the high upfront costs typically associated with electric trucks, making the shift to green logistics more economically attractive for mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
Rhino 5538 EV: Performance & Efficiency
Designed specifically for Indian terrains and high-utilization routes, the Rhino 5538 EV offers:
Powerful Performance: 380 HP and 2000 Nm torque for 55-tonne loads.
Range & Charging: Up to 198 km range with a 282 kWh LFP battery; charges from 20% to 100% in just 60 minutes.
Innovative Swapping: Available with a 6-minute battery swapping option to ensure near-zero downtime for long-haul operations.
Executive Commentary
"The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a testament to the growing prowess of Indian innovation. Electric trucks are pivotal to our Net Zero goals, and by fostering a self-reliant ecosystem, we are driving the spirit of Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat." — Shri H D Kumaraswamy, Hon'ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries
"Decarbonizing freight is one of the most critical challenges in India's energy transition. Frameworks like PM E-DRIVE are transformative steps in accelerating this shift, particularly in heavy commercial vehicles where emissions intensity is high." — Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric
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