The future of heavy-duty trucking in India may have arrived with the launch of the Montra Rhino 5538, a fully electric trailer truck that introduces battery-swapping technology to the segment for the first time. Priced at Rs 1.15 crore for the fast-charging version and Rs 1.18 crore for the swappable battery model, this truck aims to disrupt long-haul logistics by offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to diesel-powered rigs.
The naming of the truck itself reflects its capabilities — 55 for 55-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) and 38 for 380 bhp. Under the hood, the Rhino 5538 is equipped with a robust 380 bhp electric motor that produces an impressive 203.94 kgm of torque from idle, delivering instant pulling power through a 4×2 driveline.
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The fast-charging version uses a 240 kW charging gun, allowing a 20–100% charge in just 60 minutes. However, the real headline feature is the swappable battery system, which Montra believes will revolutionise e-trucking. This system uses a battery stack configuration, where one unit remains fixed while the other seven can be swapped out in about six minutes, mimicking the quick refueling process of a diesel truck. Each swapping station is designed to function like a toll plaza, capable of handling up to 160 swaps per day, ensuring trucks spend more time on the road and less time charging.
Backed by the Murugappa Group, Montra’s bold move signals a significant step toward greener, more efficient logistics, and could pave the way for similar innovations in long-distance passenger transport, including buses.
