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The roar of diesel engines on Indian highways is finally meeting a powerful, silent rival. UltraTech Cement has officially inducted India’s first PM E-DRIVE-certified electric heavy-duty truck, marking a historic milestone in the country’s logistics sector. This is more than simply a new vehicle joining a fleet; it’s a powerful statement that India’s heavy industry is transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward the electric grid.
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A New Chapter in Green Logistics
The milestone was achieved when Montra Electric, the electric vehicle arm of the Murugappa Group, delivered the Rhino 5538 EV to UltraTech. While electric vehicles have become commonplace on city streets, the “heavy-duty” segment—the big trucks that transport cement, steel, and coal—has historically been the most difficult to electrify. By placing this certified beast on the road, UltraTech demonstrates that even the largest loads can be transported with no tailpipe emissions.
What is the PM E-DRIVE Scheme?
To understand why this is a huge concern, consider the PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) program. The Government of India launched this program, which is the successor to the FAME initiatives and is specifically geared to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The certification process is rigorous, ensuring that the vehicle meets high standards for performance, safety, and indigenous production. For UltraTech, this certification is more than simply a badge of pride; it is a financial game changer. The initiative offers incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle for heavy-duty electric vehicles like the Rhino 5538 EV, making the transition to green energy both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Meet the Rhino 5538 EV: The Silent Powerhouse
The truck itself is a marvel of modern engineering. The Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV is designed primarily for Indian highways and the harsh needs of industrial hauling. It features:
Massive Torque: With 2000 Nm of torque, it can tow large trailers with ease.
Impressive Range: It travels approximately 200 kilometers on a single charge under normal conditions, making it ideal for “hub-to-hub” logistics.
Rapid Efficiency: It enables innovative battery-swapping and fast-charging technology, so the truck spends more time driving and less time plugged in.
UltraTech’s Roadmap to Net Zero
This induction is a component of a much greater vision. UltraTech Cement, an Aditya Birla Group flagship, has set an ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2050. They are not new to the green game; the corporation has been phasing out diesel for several years. Their fleet already includes more than 540 CNG trucks and 60 LNG trucks.
By adding PM E-DRIVE certified electric trucks, they are moving into the final tier of sustainable transport. The company plans to install 500 electric trucks by June 2025, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by thousands of tonnes per year.
Why Does This Matter for India?
Heavy-duty trucks account for a disproportionate share of road transport emissions in India. While they account for a small proportion of overall vehicles, they contribute significantly to CO2 and particulate matter levels. Electrifying this area is the “holy grail” of climate action in the logistics business.
The collaboration between UltraTech and Montra Electric serves as a model for other industrial conglomerates. It demonstrates that with government backing (PM E-DRIVE) and corporate will, the logistics sector can separate economic expansion from environmental harm.
The Road Ahead
As the first certified heavy-duty EV hits the road, the industry receives a clear message: the technology is here, government support is ready, and pioneers are already moving. UltraTech is no longer only laying the foundations of India’s infrastructure with cement; they are also laying the groundwork for India’s environmental future with each silent kilometer their new fleet travels.
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