Montra Electric to Unveil Advanced Electric Truck Manufacturing Plant in Manesar

Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), the clean mobility division of the Murugappa Group, will unveil a new electric heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana. The plant represents a significant investment in India's electric vehicle infrastructure and sustainable freight solutions.

The facility spans 255,000 square feet of land with a built-up area of 150,000 square feet. It will have an annual production capacity of 6,000 electric trucks on a two-shift basis, with the potential to scale up to 7,500 units through additional shifts.

A notable feature of the plant is India's first all-women, fully automated battery production unit, reflecting the company's focus on gender inclusivity in the electric vehicle sector. The facility incorporates 60% robotics integration and follows Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing practices.

The plant includes comprehensive in-house capabilities, with battery pack assembly capacity of 1.7 GWh and extensive testing infrastructure. This includes electrical and electronics laboratories, quality assurance labs, battery pack cyclers, and various testing systems for brakes, wheels, and lighting components. Research and development facilities have also been integrated to support product development initiatives.

Montra Electric plans to source 74% of components locally, excluding imported battery cells, as part of its localization strategy. The facility will manufacture multiple product variants, including the company's Rhino EV series and future vehicle introductions.

The planned facility will incorporate sustainability measures including battery recycling programs, waste management systems, and on-site charging infrastructure. Future expansion phases are expected to integrate renewable energy sources. The company has also announced plans for community engagement initiatives, including local skill development programs and environmental projects.

Commenting on the upcoming inauguration, P.V. Satyanarayana, Chief Business Officer at Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), described the facility as a defining step in India's transition to sustainable logistics, emphasizing the plant's combination of scale, flexibility, and quality manufacturing capabilities.

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

Montra Electric operates as part of the 125-year-old Murugappa Group, which has a diverse portfolio spanning agriculture, engineering, and financial services. The group reported revenues of ₹90,178 crore and employs over 94,000 people across its various business segments.

The Manesar facility unveiling comes as India continues to develop its electric vehicle ecosystem, with increasing focus on commercial vehicle electrification to reduce emissions in the freight and logistics sector.