Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), the clean mobility division of the Murugappa Group, has inaugurated a new electric heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana.

The plant is part of India's electric vehicle infrastructure development and freight electrification initiatives. The facility spans 255,000 square feet of land with a built-up area of 150,000 square feet.

It has an annual production capacity of 6,000 electric trucks on a two-shift basis, with the potential to increase to 7,500 units through additional shifts.

The plant includes India's first all-women, fully automated battery production unit. It incorporates 60% robotics integration and follows Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing practices.

In-house capabilities include a battery pack assembly capacity of 1.7 GWh and testing infrastructure, comprising electrical and electronics laboratories, quality assurance labs, battery pack cyclers, and testing systems for brakes, wheels, and lighting components.

Research and development facilities are included to support product development.

Montra Electric plans to source 74% of components locally, excluding imported battery cells. The facility will manufacture multiple product variants, including the Rhino EV series and future vehicle models.

Sustainability measures at the plant include battery recycling programmes, waste management systems, and on-site charging infrastructure.

Future expansion phases may incorporate renewable energy sources. The company has also announced community engagement initiatives, including local skill development programmes and environmental projects.

P.V. Satyanarayana, Chief Business Officer at Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), stated that the facility supports India's transition to electric freight logistics and provides scale and flexibility in manufacturing.

The company intends to apply for benefits under the PM E-Drive Scheme and explore additional state-level incentives to support its manufacturing expansion.

Montra Electric operates as part of the 125-year-old Murugappa Group, which has a diversified portfolio spanning agriculture, engineering, and financial services. The group reported revenues of Rs. 902 billion (US$ 10.17 billion) and employs over 94,000 people across its business segments.

The launch of the Manesar facility coincides with India's ongoing development of its electric vehicle ecosystem, with a focus on the electrification of commercial vehicles to reduce emissions in the freight and logistics sector.