Montra Electric, the electric mobility arm of the Murugappa Group, has become the first manufacturer in India to receive certification for a heavy-duty electric truck under the government’s PM E-DRIVE scheme. The company also delivered the country’s first PM E-DRIVE-certified electric heavy truck, the Rhino 5538 EV, to UltraTech Cement.
The certification, applicable to N3 category electric trucks, enables customers to avail incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle, improving the commercial viability of electric trucks in high-emission freight segments such as cement, mining, ports and infrastructure.
The Rhino 5538 EV was flagged off and handed over to UltraTech Cement by Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric. The event was attended by senior officials from Montra Electric and UltraTech Cement.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy said the certification marked a significant step in India’s push to decarbonise logistics. “Electric trucks are pivotal to achieving our net-zero goals. The PM E-DRIVE scheme reflects India’s growing capability in heavy-duty electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing,” he said.
The ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme includes an allocation of ₹500 crore for electric trucks, aimed at accelerating adoption by reducing upfront costs and supporting favourable economics.
