Montra Electric, the electric commercial vehicle arm of the Murugappa Group, has made history by becoming India’s first manufacturer to receive PM E-DRIVE certification for a heavy-duty electric truck. Under the Government of India’s flagship electric mobility initiative, the company has delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE-certified Rhino 5538 EV truck to UltraTech Cement Limited, marking a major milestone in accelerating electric freight adoption.
The certification, granted under the government’s ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE Scheme, is specifically aimed at boosting electric heavy commercial vehicles. For the Rhino 5538 EV, it unlocks direct customer incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle, making electric trucks more financially appealing for fleet operators in sectors like logistics, mining, infrastructure, and cement transportation.
The delivery ceremony saw leaders from both companies in attendance, including Arun Murugappan, Chairman of Montra Electric, and Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer at UltraTech Cement. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration in India’s broader clean mobility ecosystem, as heavy-duty freight remains one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy praised the achievement, emphasising that the PM E-DRIVE Scheme underscores India’s commitment to decarbonising logistics and strengthening domestic EV manufacturing capabilities. He said the certification reflects the growing prowess of Indian innovation, and is a key step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels in freight transport.
The Rhino 5538 EV itself is purpose-built for Indian operational conditions. Available in both 6×4 and 4×2 tractor-trailer variants, it features a 282 kWh LFP battery, develops around 380 HP and 2,000 Nm of torque, and delivers a range of nearly 198 km under standard test conditions. The 4×2 variant also supports six-minute battery swaps, improving uptime on long-haul routes.
Industry analysts say this development will significantly strengthen the business case for electrifying heavy-duty freight in India. By lowering operating costs, reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices, and helping companies meet evolving sustainability regulations, PM E-DRIVE-certified EV trucks like the Rhino are expected to play a central role in the transition to cleaner logistics nationwide.
