Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV business vertical of the Murugappa Group, has achieved a major clean-mobility milestone by becoming India’s first heavy-duty electric truck manufacturer to secure certification under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme. The company also delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified electric heavy truck the Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 tractor trailer to UltraTech Cement Limited, reinforcing the cement major’s sustainability push.
The handover was flagged off by Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited), in the presence of senior leadership from both organisations. The certification enables incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle under the ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, with ₹500 crore earmarked for e-trucks significantly improving long-term fleet economics by lowering operating costs and exposure to fuel price volatility.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy said the certification reflects India’s growing innovation strength in heavy-duty EVs and supports national decarbonisation and Net Zero goals. Designed for Indian conditions, the Rhino 5538 EV range—available in 6×4 and 4×2 variants—offers high torque, up to 282 kWh LFP batteries, rapid battery swapping, and nearly 198 km range, targeting ports, mining, cement logistics, steel plants and long-haul corridors.
