Scottish start-up Munro has launched its first production electric four-wheel-drive vehicle, which aims to fill the void left by the demise of utilitarian off-roaders such as the original Land Rover Defender.
True to the vision of founders Russ Peterson and Ross Anderson, the five-seat MK1 keeps things simple, with a tough galvanised ladder chassis, five-seat cabin, and a single motor powering a traditional mechanical drivetrain.
Towing capacity is the all-important 3.5t, it can carry up to 1,000kg of cargo, and the sizeable rear load area can accommodate a Euro pallet.
Production kicks off in 2023, with the firm setting a target of building 50 vehicles before the year is out.
However, in 2024 a move from its present base in East Kilbride to a purpose-built production facility near Glasgow will see numbers swell to 250 units a year, eventually ramping up to 2,500.
This will make Munro the first automotive manufacturer to build cars at scale in Scotland since Peugeot-Talbot closed its Linwood plant in 1981.
Farmers Weekly previewed the firm’s prototype earlier this year (see 20 May issue) during its two-year testing programme, which subjected it to sustained off- and on-road use in all weathers.
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Peppy performance
For now, there will be just one Munro MK1 body shape based on a chassis with 130in wheelbase, but buyers will have a choice of two motors.
The smaller 220kW version serves up the equivalent of 295hp, 600Nm of torque and a 0-60 time of 7.6sec, while the performance-spec 280kW unit ups these figures to 375hp, 700Nm and 4.9sec.
Both are rather sprightly for a vehicle of this type, but Munro assures that the MK1 is geared firmly towards off-road driving and towing, rather than hooning around.
To that end, peak torque is available up to 50mph and both models have their top speed pegged at a sensible 80mph.
Energy to spin the motors comes from either a 61kWh or 82kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which give 141 miles and 190 miles of range respectively.
Driving in tough conditions will reduce these figures and towing heavy loads will roughly halve the range. However, when operating at slow speeds off road, it can run continuously for 16 hours.
© Munro
Fast charging
Two AC charging options are available, with the smaller 7kW setup able to replenish the battery overnight and the 22kW clipping this to just three-and-a-half hours.
A DC charger is also provided, meaning batteries can be juiced up in just 30mins when connected to a suitable charging station.
Rather than integrating the batteries into the chassis, Munro houses its 35 lithium NMC modules in three heavy-duty aluminium boxes underneath the vehicle.
The firm says this arrangement makes it quick and inexpensive to replace individual modules if required.
That said, the batteries are guaranteed to deliver 80% of their original energy capacity for at least eight years and 100,000 miles, so buyers shouldn’t need to do this often.
Interior
Munro has done away with the fripperies, giving the MK1 a durable, pared-back interior that can be wiped clean after getting doused in muddy water and afterbirth.
The only technology to speak of is a simple digital dash, a double-din head unit compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and six speakers dotted around the cabin.
What it does have is plenty of charging facilities, with a smattering of 12V sockets and two three-pin outlets that can power laptop chargers, power tools, a kettle, or even a microwave.
For durability, the covered rear load area is ply lined with cargo rails for tying loads securely in place.
Additional external storage has been incorporated into the front fender, which is designed for carrying tools, charging cables or wet-weather gear.
Off road
Rather than put an electric motor on each wheel or axle to achieve four-wheel drive, Munro has teamed its large single unit with a Land Rover-based mechanical setup.
This means it has permanent drive to all four wheels, with a two-speed transfer box and centre diff lock.
Other off-roading credentials include 480mm of ground clearance, 800mm wading depth, 84 and 51deg approach and departure angles, plus 148deg ramp breakover.
Price and availability
Munro is selecting a series of agents to market the vehicle, but will not establish a dealer network.
Prices start at £49,995 and deliveries of the first vehicles will take place next year. Many of these are pre-ordered cars going to locations across the globe including the UK, Switzerland, St Lucia, and Dubai.
The firm says it has also reached several pre-sale agreements with fleet operators.
Vehicles will come with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. However, Munro says it has engineered the MK1 to have a 50-year lifespan with little more than routine maintenance and the odd upgrade.
