3.5-Tonne EV Pickup Clash: Montra vs Eicher

India’s fast-growing electric commercial vehicle market has entered a new phase of competition with two prominent contenders vying for dominance in the 3.5-tonne pickup segment — the Montra Eviator and Eicher Pro X EV. As businesses increasingly shift from diesel-powered trucks to electric alternatives to cut running costs and improve sustainability, the choice between these two newly launched e-pickups has become a key question for logistics operators.

Both trucks fall under the small commercial vehicle (SCV) category and share an identical gross vehicle weight of 3,490 kg. They are available in multiple body configurations, including Fixed Side Deck (FSD), container, and reefer options. Yet, a closer look reveals distinct strengths that set them apart.

On the load-carrying front, Eicher’s Pro X EV gains an advantage with slightly higher payload capacity — 1,760 kg with a 32 kWh battery pack and 1,700 kg with the 40 kWh variant. The Montra Eviator, meanwhile, offers a competitive 1,707 kg payload. Eicher also edges ahead in cargo space with a deck length of up to 3,360 mm and a maximum cargo volume of 395 cubic feet, compared to Eviator’s 3,140 mm deck and 344 cubic feet of usable space. This makes the Pro X EV more suitable for longer or bulkier freight.

Performance parameters show remarkable similarities: both models generate 80 kW of peak power and 300 Nm of torque using PMSM motors, achieving a top speed of 80 kmph. The difference emerges in drivability — Eicher’s smaller 5.4-metre turning circle radius allows better manoeuvrability in tight lanes, while Montra’s superior gradeability of 25% (restart) and 35% (running) makes it the preferred choice for hilly routes and ghat regions.

Battery and range figures remain closely matched. The Eicher Pro X EV is offered with 32 kWh and 40 kWh packs, while Montra provides a single 43.2 kWh option. Certified range hovers around the 245-250 km mark for both, with real-world estimates at about 170 km. Charging time, however, differs significantly on AC chargers: Montra’s Eviator needs over 5 hours, compared to Eicher’s 3.5–4.5 hours. On DC fast charging, both complete a full cycle in roughly 75–90 minutes.

Inside the cabin, both trucks promise a driver-friendly experience with walk-through layouts, AC, digital clusters, and connected infotainment systems. But Eicher steps ahead in safety and telematics with a full ADAS suite—featuring DMS, forward collision warning, cargo space monitoring, and remote immobilisation. Montra offers level-1 ADAS limited to DMS but compensates with its robust 1M fleet management solution.

Pricing and warranty often become the deciding factors for fleet owners. The Pro X EV is priced between ₹16.99 lakh and ₹17.99 lakh, while the Eviator remains more affordable at ₹16.11–16.39 lakh. Warranty coverage is where Montra delivers a strong proposition: a standard 5-year/1.75 lakh km warranty, extendable to 7-year/2.5 lakh km, surpassing Eicher’s 5-year/1.5 lakh km plan.

In the end, the verdict depends on business needs — Eicher suits operators seeking advanced features and larger cargo space, while Montra remains ideal for rugged terrains and offers better long-term warranty value. Both, however, underline the rapidly evolving future of India’s electric last-mile logistics ecosystem.