Montra Electric, a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, has taken a significant step toward expanding its presence in South India with the inauguration of its first electric small commercial vehicle (e-SCV) dealership in Tamil Nadu. The dealership, located in Madhavaram, Chennai, marks a major milestone for TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, the SCV division of Montra Electric. This strategic expansion not only reinforces the company’s commitment to the region but also highlights its dedication to clean mobility solutions.
(From left) Mr. Saju Nair, CEO of TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, Madhu Raghunath, CEO of TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd., Srivatsan R, Zonal Head – South & West, TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, Ramesh Krishnan, EV Business Head, TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd.
The new dealership, powered by TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd, features a cutting-edge 3S (Sales, Service, Spares, and Charging) facility designed to enhance customer accessibility and service experience. It offers advanced infrastructure and the latest tools, promising a seamless ownership journey for customers. The inauguration ceremony, attended by key stakeholders, was graced by Mr. Saju Nair, CEO of TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, and Mr. Madhu Raghunath, CEO of TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Saju Nair, CEO of TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, shared, “We are thrilled to open our first dealership in Chennai. At Montra Electric, we are dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability in clean mobility solutions. This new dealership strengthens our commitment to delivering high-performance e-SCVs while bringing us closer to our customers.”
A Game-Changer in Small Commercial Vehicles
At the heart of the new dealership’s offerings is the EVIATOR, a groundbreaking electric commercial vehicle designed to redefine the small commercial vehicle space. The EVIATOR boasts an industry-leading certified range of 245 km and a real-world range of 170 km, setting new benchmarks in EV technology. With an impressive 80 kW power output and 300 Nm of torque, it delivers unparalleled performance for fleet operators, making it a true game-changer in the e-SCV segment.
Mr. Nair emphasized, “The EVIATOR sets the bar for electric commercial vehicles. With its remarkable range and performance, it’s engineered to provide superior load capacity and a reliable driving experience. Our aim is to provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.”
The EVIATOR also comes with an extended warranty of up to 7 years or 2.5 lakh kilometers, ensuring long-term reliability. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced telematics, enabling over 95% fleet uptime, which guarantees optimal operational efficiency for fleet operators.
A Strategic Partnership for Success
The launch of this dealership is made possible through a strategic partnership with TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions, a trusted name in the automobile sector. The partnership leverages TVS’s extensive after-sales service experience, ensuring that customers receive top-tier service and support.
“We are excited to partner with Montra Electric. This new dealership will not only solidify Montra Electric’s position as a leading EV player in the region but also enhance customer accessibility to reliable and efficient e-SCVs,” said Mr. Madhu Raghunath, CEO of TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd.
Montra Electric continues to grow at a rapid pace, expanding its dealership network and service centers across India to offer world-class after-sales support. TIVOLT Electric Vehicles is committed to making the transition to electric vehicles as smooth and accessible as possible for its customers. Mr. Nair stated, “Our collaboration with the TVS group, with its over 100 years of experience in automobile after-sales, ensures that customers receive the best service and support, reinforcing the trust in the new technology we are introducing.”
The EVIATOR 350, TIVOLT’s flagship model, is a standout product in their portfolio. As a purpose-built electric vehicle rather than a conversion of a traditional diesel model, the EVIATOR 350 is designed from the ground up to meet the demands of small commercial transportation. “The EVIATOR 350 is not just another electric vehicle; it’s a purpose-built EV that brings together cutting-edge design and performance,” Mr. Nair noted.
Innovative R&D and Manufacturing Excellence
A key driver behind TIVOLT’s success is its robust R&D capabilities and commitment to in-house development of key vehicle components, including the battery pack, vehicle control unit, and telematics software. The company’s research team, consisting of over 300 professionals, plays a pivotal role in driving innovation across its product lineup. “Our R&D team is at the heart of our innovation. It allows us to push boundaries, deliver cutting-edge technology, and ensure that our products are always at the forefront of the EV revolution,” Mr. Nair explained.
TIVOLT’s manufacturing facility in Ponneri also plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality electric vehicles. The plant, with a capacity of 50,000 units annually, ensures efficient production with everything sourced locally except for the battery cells, which are imported from China. Mr. Nair shared, “Our manufacturing setup in Ponneri ensures that every aspect of the vehicle’s assembly is controlled and produced to the highest standards. This level of integration is rare in the industry and allows us to meet the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles.”
Overcoming Challenges in EV Adoption
While TIVOLT sees immense potential in the Indian commercial vehicle market, particularly in the small commercial vehicle segment, the company recognizes the challenges it faces, such as customer apprehension toward new technology and the need for reliable charging infrastructure. Mr. Nair emphasized, “While the opportunity is immense, the key challenge is educating customers about the benefits of switching to EVs. Many still have concerns about performance, maintenance, and the reliability of the new technology.”
To address these concerns, TIVOLT is providing complete solutions for its customers, including vehicle purchase, charging infrastructure, and after-sales support. “We understand that the transition to EVs can be daunting, which is why we’re offering complete charging solutions, whether at the customer’s home, warehouse, or office. We aim to create a seamless experience from purchase to operation,” Mr. Nair added.
Looking ahead, TIVOLT plans to further expand its presence across India, with a goal to establish its products in at least 25 cities by the end of the year. “Our focus for this year is on solidifying the presence of the EVIATOR 350 and expanding our network,” confirmed Mr. Nair.
TIVOLT’s vision extends beyond merely selling vehicles – the company is working towards reshaping India’s transportation landscape with innovative, sustainable solutions that can drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial space. “We are committed to transforming the commercial vehicle sector by offering high-performance, eco-friendly solutions that are both cost-effective and reliable,” said Mr. Nair.
As the electric vehicle revolution gathers momentum, TIVOLT Electric Vehicles is well-positioned to lead the charge, driving the transition to sustainable transportation solutions for India’s growing fleet of commercial vehicles. Through cutting-edge technology, local manufacturing, and a customer-centric approach, TIVOLT is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric mobility in India.
