Montra Electric, the young EV maker that began operations in 2022, has just launched India’s first electric truck, called the Rhino 5538 EV, with prices starting from ₹1.15 crore (ex-factory). With the Rhino 5538 EV, Montra has kick-started the electric truck segment, and the company aims to dominate the market with the Rhino 5538 EV.
Regarding the new truck, the Rhino features an electric powertrain with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, which has a peak output of 380PS and a maximum torque of 2,000Nm, sent to the rear axle via a six-speed AMT. This peak output enables the Rhino to haul a maximum payload of 38 tonnes, with a gross vehicle weight standing at 55,000kg or 55 tonnes. Powering this powertrain is the 282kWh battery pack, which has an IDC range of 180km and can be charged from 20 to 100 percent in just sixty minutes when used with a 240kW fast charger. However, the most interesting bit is the swappable battery pack.
In terms of innovation, Montra hopes to change the scenario with the introduction of the swappable battery pack on the Rhino 5538 EV. It is a simple yet powerful solution where the entire battery pack can be swapped in just six minutes. However, to do so, one would need to setup the necessary infrastructure to make the swap possible. For that, Montra will help customers setup the battery swapping stations that will be connected entirely via Wi-Fi. The swap station will have a dedicated spot where the truck will come in and signal the station for the battery swap. The process will be executed primarily by a crane, which will lift the drained battery pack and lower fully charged packs into it’s spot, located just behind the cab. The entire process will take just six minutes, and the Rhino can go from low battery to 100 per cent.
Montra will help its customers setup this piece of infrastructure on regular routes where fleet/ individual owners will be operating their Rhino 5538 EV for convenience and quick turnaround times. With innovative battery swap technology in India’s first electric truck, Montra has provided fleet owners and individuals with an alternative entry point into the world of eco-mobility.
Along with the Rhino 5538 EV, Montra Electric also inaugurated the battery pack assembly line at its Manesar plant and the assembly line for the Rhino 5538 EV.
