Montra Electric RHINO 5538ev: India’s First Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Signals a New Era for Long-Haul Freight

In a landmark move for India’s commercial vehicle sector, Montra Electric has unveiled the RHINO 5538ev, the nation’s first electric heavy-duty truck (HGV) built for long-haul freight and heavy logistics. This revolutionary model marks a defining moment in the country’s transition toward sustainable transport, setting new standards for performance, technology, and efficiency in the heavy commercial segment.

Power and Performance Built for Indian Roads

The Montra Electric RHINO 5538ev is no ordinary truck—it’s a powerhouse engineered to challenge diesel’s dominance. Equipped with a 280 kW (380 HP) motor and delivering a massive 2000 Nm of torque, the Rhino offers exceptional hauling power even for the most demanding logistics routes. Designed for long-distance and high-load applications, it provides smooth acceleration, superior gradient climbing ability, and reliable performance across diverse terrains.

Under standard test conditions, the truck offers a certified range of 198 km on a single charge, sufficient for regional freight movement and city-to-city deliveries. However, what truly sets the Rhino apart is its battery swapping technology, a first in India’s heavy-duty EV segment.

Battery Swapping: The Game-Changer

One of the biggest barriers to electric adoption in the HGV space has been charging time. Montra Electric tackles this challenge head-on with innovative battery swapping technology. A complete battery swap can be completed in under six minutes, enabling the truck to get back on the road almost instantly.

This feature could transform fleet utilization rates and reduce operational downtime, giving logistics operators a clear economic advantage. Montra’s plan to deploy a network of swapping stations along key national freight corridors could further accelerate EV adoption among large fleet owners.

Pricing and Market Positioning

The fixed-battery variant of the RHINO 5538 EV 4x2 TT is priced at ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory), while the swappable battery variant is expected to cost slightly higher. Though the initial cost exceeds conventional diesel trucks, lower running and maintenance expenses could make the total cost of ownership (TCO) far more competitive in the long run.

Electric powertrains eliminate the need for costly diesel, engine oil, and transmission maintenance—reducing operational costs by up to 40%. Additionally, potential incentives under India’s FAME-II and state EV policies could further sweeten the deal for early adopters.

Impact on India’s Trucking Industry

The launch of the RHINO 5538ev marks a major technological and environmental milestone for India’s heavy-duty logistics sector, traditionally dominated by diesel vehicles from brands like Tata, Ashok Leyland, and BharatBenz. With freight transport accounting for a significant share of India’s fuel consumption and emissions, electric HGVs like the Rhino could play a vital role in reducing carbon output.

The truck’s arrival also indicates the beginning of electrification in long-haul transport, an area previously considered too demanding for EVs. As battery technology improves and charging (or swapping) infrastructure expands, industry experts predict a sharp rise in electric fleet investments over the next five years.

A Step Toward a Cleaner Freight Future

By combining high performance, quick battery swapping, and cost efficiency, Montra Electric’s RHINO 5538ev could reshape India’s trucking landscape. It not only showcases India’s growing EV engineering capabilities but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to reducing diesel dependency and achieving its net-zero emissions targets.

The RHINO 5538ev is more than just a truck—it’s a signal that India’s heavy transport future is electric, efficient, and sustainable.