In a nation on the fast track to electric mobility, Montra Electric, the EV arm of the Murugappa Group, has hit a significant milestone — selling over 10,000 electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws) within less than two years of launching its flagship model, the Montra Super Auto. This landmark achievement not only cements the brand’s position in India’s burgeoning EV space but also reflects a strong market shift toward sustainable last-mile transport solutions.
Let’s explore how Montra Electric achieved this feat, what makes the Super Auto stand out, and what the future holds for this trailblazing brand.
🚀 The Journey to 10,000+ Deliveries
Launched in September 2022, Montra Electric entered the competitive three-wheeler market with a clear focus on performance, range, reliability, and smart features. In less than 18 months, it has expanded operations across 74 markets in 17 states, delivering over 10,000 vehicles, a strong indicator of product-market fit.
In early 2024, Montra had announced reaching the 5,000-unit mark, and within months, that number doubled — highlighting consistent demand and effective distribution. Monthly sales reports have shown steady growth, with Montra regularly ranking among the top 5 electric three-wheeler manufacturers in India.
🏆 Why the Montra Super Auto Stands Out
The success of Montra Electric is rooted in its flagship product, the Montra Super Auto, which has disrupted the segment with industry-leading features.
🔋 1. Best-in-Class Range
The Super Auto offers an ARAI-certified range of 203 km, with real-world performance clocking around 155–160 km on a single charge. This makes it ideal for drivers operating in urban and semi-urban zones with multiple daily trips.
⚡ 2. Powerful Performance
- 10 kW peak motor output
- 60 Nm of torque
- Top speed: 55 km/h
- 0–20 km/h in just 4 seconds
Whether it’s hilly terrain or bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Super Auto delivers a smooth, responsive experience.
🧠 3. Smart Driving & Safety Features
Montra’s focus on driver comfort and efficiency led to the introduction of:
- Multiple drive modes (Eco, City, Power)
- Park assist mode
- Hill-hold feature
- Digital instrument cluster with trip analytics
Such features are uncommon in the e-3W segment, giving Montra a tech-savvy edge.
🛠️ 4. Durable & Reliable Build
The vehicle uses a boron-steel chassis, designed to withstand the challenges of Indian roads. It also comes with a 3-year / 100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years, building confidence among fleet operators and individual drivers.
🏅 5. Award-Winning Design
The Montra Super Auto was honored with the Red Dot Design Award 2023 for its modern, aerodynamic design — a proud moment for the Indian EV industry.
🌍 Market Presence & Expansion
Montra Electric’s current footprint spans 74 markets across 17 Indian states, including key urban and Tier-II cities. This widespread presence is backed by:
- A strong dealership network
- Local service centers for easy maintenance
- EV financing tie-ups with NBFCs and microfinance institutions
- Driver training and onboarding initiatives
This rapid expansion has enabled Montra to serve both commercial fleet buyers and individual owner-drivers, boosting adoption rates in last-mile passenger and cargo segments.
🏭 Manufacturing and Capacity
To meet rising demand, Murugappa Group has scaled up production through its TI Clean Mobility division. In 2023, the group inaugurated a 500,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Chennai, capable of producing up to 50,000 EVs annually.
This plant is also home to the group’s future offerings in electric small commercial vehicles (e-SCVs) and cargo three-wheelers, further strengthening Montra’s portfolio in the mobility ecosystem.
🔌 Fast Charging: The Exponent Energy Partnership
One of the major enablers of EV adoption is charging infrastructure. Montra Electric recently partnered with Exponent Energy, known for its revolutionary 15-minute fast-charging technology.
The integration of Exponent’s rapid charging system allows Montra e-autos to charge from 0–100% in just 15 minutes, significantly reducing vehicle downtime and enhancing fleet utilization.
This move positions Montra as not only a vehicle manufacturer but a forward-thinking energy solutions provider — especially relevant for fleet operators where every minute counts.
📊 Sales Performance and Market Impact
Montra Electric consistently performs well in the domestic market:
- In January 2025, Montra sold 558 units, placing it 4th among electric three-wheeler manufacturers for the month.
- The brand now commands a growing share in the organized e-rickshaw and auto segment, traditionally dominated by legacy brands and unorganized players.
This performance also aligns with India’s broader EV growth trends — with e-3W sales projected to cross 1 million units annually by 2026, according to industry analysts.
👥 Voices from the Ground
Drivers and fleet operators have praised the Super Auto for its:
- Low running cost (~25 paise/km)
- Strong torque for hill climbs and load carrying
- Comfortable cabin for long driving hours
- Minimal maintenance due to its robust build
One commercial fleet owner in Kolkata noted:
“Since adding the Super Auto to our fleet, we’ve seen almost 20% increase in daily trip completion with no downtime. Drivers are happy, and passengers love the quiet, clean ride.”
♻️ Sustainability and the EV Push
Murugappa Group’s entry into clean mobility is part of a larger effort to transition its portfolio toward green and future-ready sectors. The group aims to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem through its subsidiaries:
- TI Clean Mobility (e-3Ws and e-SCVs)
- Cellestial E-Mobility (electric tractors)
- TIVOLT (EV manufacturing brand)
Through Montra Electric, the group aligns with India’s national EV targets under the FAME-II scheme and state-level subsidies, making electric vehicles more accessible and cost-effective.
🛣️ The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Montra Electric plans to:
- Launch cargo variants of the Super Auto
- Expand to rural markets with localized solutions
- Scale up production and supply chain capabilities
- Introduce subscription models and fleet leasing options
Murugappa’s vision is to position Montra as India’s most trusted and tech-forward EV brand in the commercial vehicle space by 2026.
📌 Conclusion
From a legacy business group with over a century of industrial history to one of India’s fastest-growing EV players, Murugappa Group’s Montra Electric is scripting a bold new chapter in sustainable transport. Surpassing 10,000 units sold is not just a milestone — it’s a testament to Indian innovation, market insight, and clean technology.
With strong demand, robust infrastructure, and a future-ready roadmap, Montra Electric is well on its way to electrifying the roads of tomorrow.
