Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV arm of TI Clean Mobility Private Limited under the Murugappa Group, has achieved a major milestone by becoming India’s first heavy-duty electric truck manufacturer to receive certification under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme. To mark the achievement, the company delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified electric heavy truck the Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 tractor trailer to UltraTech Cement Limited.
The handover was flagged off by Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric, in the presence of Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric, and Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement. The N3-category certification strengthens the commercial viability of electric heavy trucks by unlocking customer incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle. Under the ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, ₹500 crore has been earmarked for e-trucks, improving long-term fleet economics through lower operating costs and reduced fuel price volatility.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy said the certification reflects India’s growing innovation strength in electric heavy vehicles and supports national net-zero and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals. Designed for Indian conditions, the Rhino 5538 EV range offers 6×4 and 4×2 variants with high torque, battery swapping options and applications across mining, cement, steel and long-haul freight, positioning Montra Electric as a key player in India’s clean freight transition.
