TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions (TVS VMS), part of the TVS Mobility Group, has entered the electric heavy commercial vehicle segment through a strategic partnership with Montra Electric, with plans to deploy more than 300 electric trucks during FY2026-27.
As part of the first phase, TVS VMS has added 57 Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT heavy-duty electric trucks to its commercial fleet. The vehicles will operate on a 190-kilometre freight corridor in Chhattisgarh, supported by three dedicated charging stations along the route.
The deployment marks TVS VMS’s first foray into electric trucking after more than seven decades of operating diesel-powered commercial vehicles. The companies expect the transition to help reduce carbon emissions and diesel consumption while improving fleet economics and supporting India’s clean mobility and net-zero objectives.
The partnership was formally marked at a flag-off ceremony at Montra Electric’s manufacturing facility in Manesar, attended by senior leaders from both companies.
Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric, said TVS VMS’s decision to deploy electric heavy trucks in live freight operations demonstrates the growing readiness of the technology for commercial-scale applications. He said the partnership brings together vehicle technology, route planning, charging infrastructure and telematics to support reliable operations under real-world conditions.
Navneet Sethi, CEO of Montra Electric’s eM&HCV Division, said the deployment demonstrates the ability of electric heavy trucks to handle continuous, high-load freight operations and addresses concerns around their suitability for demanding commercial applications.
Madhu Raghunath, CEO of TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions, said the partnership aligns with the company’s objective of building a greener logistics network through integrated fleet solutions. These include vehicle leasing, maintenance, charging infrastructure, driver management, insurance and connected telematics.
The Montra Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 TT is a 55-tonne gross combination weight electric tractor-trailer designed for long-haul freight. It is powered by a 282 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 280 kW of peak power and 2,000 Nm of torque. The vehicle has a tested range of up to 198 kilometres per charge and supports both fast charging and battery swapping.
The deployment comes as logistics operators increasingly evaluate electric heavy commercial vehicles for high-utilisation freight applications, where charging infrastructure, vehicle range and total cost of ownership remain critical considerations.
Montra Electric is the clean mobility brand of TI Clean Mobility Private Limited, part of the Murugappa Group. Its portfolio spans heavy commercial vehicles, mid- and small commercial vehicles, last-mile three-wheelers and electric tractors.
TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions provides vehicle lifecycle and fleet management services, including leasing, fleet and driver management, preventive maintenance, insurance administration, charging infrastructure and connected telematics. The company’s entry into electric heavy trucking expands its role from fleet management into the deployment and operation of electric commercial vehicles at scale.
