Montra Electric Plans 2026 SCV Launch, LCV Next

Montra Electric is preparing a major expansion of its commercial vehicle portfolio, with the company confirming plans to introduce an all-new small commercial vehicle (SCV) in 2026. The upcoming model marks Montra’s entry into the sub-3.5-tonne truck category—one of the fastest-growing segments in India’s logistics landscape—before rolling out its first light commercial vehicle (LCV) soon after.

The move comes at a time when SCVs have become the backbone of India’s urban and regional delivery ecosystem. In FY24 alone, the 2–3.5-tonne N1 category accounted for 310,696 units, representing nearly one-third of total light commercial vehicle volumes. Below the 2-tonne range, another 155,927 units were sold, underscoring the increasing need for compact and highly maneuverable freight solutions. The 3.5–7.5-tonne LCV segment added 61,422 units, reflecting sustained but tiered demand across payload bands.

Over the past decade, India’s mini-truck and pickup segment—vehicles below 3.5 tonnes—has expanded from around 360,000 units in FY14 to nearly 500,000 units today. The growth has been driven by the rise of e-commerce, the rapid evolution of last-mile delivery, and accelerating consumption in Tier-II and Tier-III markets. Because SCVs typically operate on predictable, short-distance routes with moderate loads, the segment is widely regarded as the “sweet spot” for electrification, where operating economics overlap neatly with EV performance. Faster payback periods compared to diesel fleets have further strengthened the business case for electric SCVs.

Montra Electric’s upcoming SCV aligns closely with these dynamics. Although detailed specifications are still being finalised, the vehicle is expected to deliver a competitive payload, an optimised battery configuration for intra-city operations, and a strong focus on total cost of ownership (TCO). The company aims to appeal to fleet operators who rely heavily on high utilisation, low downtime and predictable running costs—key drivers behind EV adoption in the logistics sector.

The company’s product roadmap follows a deliberate sequence. The SCV will debut first, followed by an LCV in the 3.5–5-tonne range—targeting users who need more capacity for regional supply routes while still operating within fast-moving retail and FMCG networks. This tiered launch strategy will allow Montra Electric to build experience and operational intelligence from the SCV platform before introducing a heavier-duty model requiring more advanced energy storage and engineering.

India’s accelerating push toward cleaner freight movement also shapes the company’s trajectory. Government initiatives aimed at improving urban air quality and promoting fleet electrification are influencing procurement decisions across logistics and e-commerce players. With the market approaching a crucial inflection point—where EV adoption is expected to move from early adopters into mainstream usage—Montra Electric’s timing positions it well to benefit from rising readiness and awareness.

By entering the SCV space in 2026 and following with an LCV rollout, Montra Electric is preparing to serve some of the country’s fastest-growing logistics categories. The company’s strategy suggests a strong understanding of market needs: efficiency, reliability and sustainability—priorities that continue to reshape India’s commercial transport landscape.