Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), the clean mobility division of the Murugappa Group, has officially launched its advanced electric heavy commercial vehicle (eHCV) manufacturing plant in Manesar, Haryana. This new facility marks a significant milestone in India’s sustainable logistics journey, featuring the country’s first fully automated battery production unit operated entirely by women, along with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) integrated with conveyor systems to streamline eHCV manufacturing.
Facility Overview
The plant is located on a 255, 000 square feet area land with a built-up space of 150,000 square feet and is expected to produce 6,000 trucks each year with the possibility of adding 7,500 trucks following the addition of extra shifts. The plant assists in multi-variant production and Rhino EV series by Montra as well as the new models.
Major technological characteristics are:
- The 60% of robots integration to achieve greater accuracy and efficiency.
- Industry 4.0 principles that will make the manufacturing environment completely digital.
- Battery assembling in house with the capacity of 1.7 GWh.
- Extensive test facilities including E/E Laboratories, Quality assurance labs, battery packs, roll and brake testers, wheel alignment equipment, headlamp aiming equipment, and shower test facilities.
- R and D and prototype workshop to hasten product innovation and developments.
Sustainability and Localization.
Montra Electric focuses on environmentally friendly manufacturing with battery recycling, waste management and on-site charging facilities. The company obtains 74% of its parts within the country (without the imported cells), which highlights its resilience and localization of supply chains. There are future arrangements to incorporate renewable energy solutions that will promote the plant to be environmentally friendly.
Female Empowerment and Community Investment.
The Manesar plant has been a pioneer in gender inclusiveness since it is home to the first all-women production line of batteries in India, thus empowering women in the EV production industry. Montra Electric is also interested in the local community by participating in skilling programs, tree plantation drives, and environmental awareness programs, and promoting socio-economic growth in the region.
P.V. Satyanarayana, Chief Business Officer of Montra Electric HCV (IPL Tech), stated, “The inauguration of our all-women-led eHCV factory in Manesar marks a pivotal step in India’s shift towards sustainable logistics. By combining scale, flexibility, and digital automation, this facility sets new standards for innovation, employment, and green mobility. We are confident that this plant will drive the future of urban and industrial freight transport in India.”
Government Incentives
Montra Electric will also take advantage of the benefits that can be obtained in accordance with the PM E-Drive Scheme and can find out other incentives that could be provided at the state level and help to further develop manufacturing facilities. This project will be consistent with the national goals of India, which are to electrify freight transport and promote clean energy mobility.
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