Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV
The Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV is a heavy duty electric tractor truck from India offering 380 hp, 2000 Nm torque, a 282 kWh battery, and up to 198 km range, designed for short and medium haul logistics with fast charging and battery swapping support.
User Rating: 3 / 5 (44 votes)
Technical Specifications:
| truck type | semi-truck |
| manufactured in | India |
| model year | 2025 |
| range (km) | 198 |
| speed (km/h) | 80 |
| power (hp) | 380 |
| battery (kWh) | 282 |
| cargo capacity (kg) | 55000 |
| drive type | RWD |
* Minimum price set for the base trim by the manufacturer
Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV Review
Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV Overview and Market Role
Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV arrives from India with a clear purpose, heavy freight without diesel drama. Built by Montra Electric under TI Clean Mobility, the truck targets regional logistics where predictable routes and charging windows matter. Sales begin in September 2025, and fleet buyers already circle the order books. Pricing starts at 135300 USD (101200 GBP, 116200 EUR), positioning the truck below many European rivals. And yes, local engineering takes center stage here.
- Manufactured in India with a locally engineered chassis focused on durability.
- Launch window set for late 2025 fleet deliveries.
- Starting price tuned for cost focused logistics operators.
- Market positioning squarely aimed at short and medium haul decarbonized freight.
Technical Specs and Powertrain Details
Battery
The energy backbone relies on a 282 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, chosen for thermal stability and long cycle life. Estimated driving range reaches 198 km or about 123 miles per charge, ideal for hub to hub operations. DC fast charging brings the pack from 20 to 100 percent in under 60 minutes. Battery swapping trims downtime further, dropping exchange time to under six minutes. Such flexibility keeps trucks moving while schedules stay tight.
- Battery capacity 282 kWh
- Estimated range 198 km (123 miles)
- DC fast charge under 60 minutes
- Optional battery swapping capability
Performance
Power delivery comes from a rear mounted electric motor producing 380 hp or 280 kW. Torque peaks at 2000 Nm, translating to confident launches even at full load. Top speed caps at 80 kmh or 50 mph to preserve efficiency and safety. Gross combination weight reaches 55000 kg or roughly 121254 lb, placing the truck firmly in heavy duty territory. Regenerative braking assists both energy recovery and brake longevity.
- Power output 380 hp (280 kW)
- Torque 2000 Nm
- Top speed 80 kmh (50 mph)
- Gross combination weight 55000 kg
Two variants exist, a fixed battery model at 135300 USD (101200 GBP, 116200 EUR) and a swapping enabled version priced around 138800 USD (103800 GBP, 119300 EUR).
Exterior and Interior Design Focus
Exterior
The cab follows a flat front layout to maximize trailer length within regulations. A closed grille reduces drag while signaling electric intent. Halogen headlamps paired with LED daytime running lights support long duty cycles. Heavy duty 295 by 90 R20 tires reduce rolling resistance and enhance stability. Roof deflectors remain optional for fleets chasing marginal efficiency gains.
Interior
Inside, function rules over flair. A digital driver display replaces analog dials, showing range, energy use, and system temperatures. The sleeper cab allows rest during charging or loading delays. Adjustable air suspended seats reduce fatigue, while air conditioning comes standard. Telematics feed fleet managers with live diagnostics and route data.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Pros
- High torque output ideal for heavy loads
- Battery swapping option minimizes downtime
- LFP battery chemistry favors durability
- Competitive pricing for heavy electric trucks
Cons
- Range suited mainly for regional routes
- Interior prioritizes utility over refinement
- Limited top speed restricts highway pacing
Pricing:
Base Model Cost: $135,300 USD (Estimated converted from ₹1.15 Crore)
Trim Configurations:
-
Fixed Battery Variant: $135,300 USD
-
Battery Swapping Variant: $138,800 USD
Market Positioning and Competitors
Rhino 5538EV competes in the nascent but rapidly growing heavy-duty electric trucking sector. Its primary value proposition lies in its total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits and the flexibility of its battery-swapping technology, which addresses the downtime concerns typical of EV logistics.
Conclusion and Buying Perspective
Fleet electrification moves faster when hardware fits real routes. Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV fits that bill with pragmatic engineering and sensible pricing. Range, torque, and uptime solutions align with daily logistics math. For operators ready to step away from diesel, the equation looks compelling. And the long term operating savings sweeten the deal.
Exterior and Interior photos of Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specifications List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Model
|
Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV
|
|
Model Year
|
2024
|
|
Manufacturer
|
Montra Electric
|
|
Parent Company
|
TI Clean Mobility
|
|
Manufactured In
|
India
|
|
Vehicle Class
|
Heavy Duty Electric Truck
|
|
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
|
55,000 kg - 121,254 lb
|
Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Power Type
|
Full Electric
|
|
Powertrain
|
Single Motor Electric Drivetrain
|
|
Drive Type
|
6x4
|
|
Peak Power Output
|
380 hp - 283 kW
|
|
Peak Torque
|
3,500 Nm - 2,581 lb-ft
|
|
Maximum Speed
|
90 km/h - 56 mph
|
Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Battery Type
|
Lithium Iron Phosphate
|
|
Battery Capacity
|
282 kWh
|
|
Nominal Voltage
|
650 V
|
|
DC Fast Charging Power
|
200 kW
|
|
Charging Time 20 to 80 percent
|
60 minutes
|
Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Certified Range
|
300 km - 186 miles
|
Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Length
|
11,200 mm - 440.9 in
|
|
Width
|
2,500 mm - 98.4 in
|
|
Height
|
3,800 mm - 149.6 in
|
|
Wheelbase
|
5,500 mm - 216.5 in
|
Exterior Design Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Cab Design
|
Day cab
|
|
Chassis Type
|
Heavy duty ladder frame
|
|
Lighting
|
LED headlamps and tail lamps
|
Interior Design and Materials
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Seating Configuration
|
2 seats
|
|
Upholstery
|
Durable fabric
|
|
Cabin Focus
|
Driver centric commercial layout
|
Cabin Technical Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Driver Display
|
Digital instrument cluster
|
|
Drive Modes
|
Multiple efficiency modes
|
|
Regenerative Braking
|
Adjustable regenerative braking
|
|
Telematics
|
Fleet management ready
|
Comparison:
Within the emerging heavy electric truck field, Montra Electric Rhino 5538EV lines up against Tata Prima E.55S, Blue Energy BEM 5548e, BYD Q1R, and Volvo FM Electric. Each targets regional freight, though pricing and infrastructure readiness vary widely.
Range Comparison
The Rhino offers 198 km or 123 miles per charge, placing it near Tata Prima E.55S while trailing Volvo FM Electric models that exceed 300 km. BYD Q1R focuses on depot based routes with similar range expectations.
Acceleration and Power
With 380 hp and 2000 Nm torque, output aligns closely with Blue Energy BEM 5548e. Volvo FM Electric delivers higher combined motor output but at a premium cost.
Charging Time
Fast charging under one hour matches segment norms. Battery swapping gives Rhino a unique uptime advantage over Tata and Volvo offerings.
Price Positioning
At 135300 USD (101200 GBP, 116200 EUR), pricing undercuts Volvo FM Electric by a wide margin. BYD Q1R pricing varies by market incentives, while Tata Prima E.55S remains close in base cost.
