Murugappa Groups enters EV market with Montra three-wheeler

Just a few weeks ago, the Murugappa Group’s Tube Investments of India had indicated that it was moving aggressively into the electric-vehicle segment and had firm plans to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore that would help create at least four platforms.

The first product based on that platform has rolled out today: the Montra three-wheeler electric rickshaw.  Arun Murugappan, executive chairman, Tube Investments of India said at the launch, “The Montra EV is packed with innovation and several industry firsts. It houses the category best 10kwh battery pack delivering an ARAI-certified range of 197km and real-world range of 155+ kilometres with peak torque of 60 Nm and a top speed of 55kph.”

After the commercial introduction of the Montra, Ti Clean Mobility plans to introduce a tractor and heavy commercial vehicle. While the electric three-wheeler is being produced in-house, the tractor and HCV would be made through acquisitions. The company will also be launching similar products for the cargo sector. However, there are no plans as of now to get into cars or two-wheelers.

For the e-rickshaw, about Rs 200 crore has been invested in product development and manufacturing processes. While some components are imported, from the beginning the e-rickshaws will have close to 75 percent indigenisation. The e-rickshaws are being produced at the company’s Chennai plant which has a production capacity of 75,000 units per annum.

The company said its 40 existing dealers will commence sales and is looking to take up the number of dealerships to 100 by the end of the current financial year. Prices for the Montra begin at Rs 302,000; three variants are on offered – soft top, hard top and long range.