Munro MK_1: The British Electric 4×4 That’s the Most Capable on the Planet • Professional Pickup

Scotland’s Munro Vehicles has unveiled its first vehicle, the Munro Mk_1. Designed, engineered, and built in Britain, the Mk_1 is, according to Munro, the world’s most capable all-electric 4×4 able to operate for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.

The Munro combines a 280kW electric powertrain to ensure zero tailpipe emissions with a proven, robust, simple-to-maintain mechanical driveline. The Munro’s attributes will suit those seeking to minimise their environmental footprint in sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, environmental, emergency rescue, remote infrastructure maintenance, and recreation.

Able to transport a crew of five to the most rugged locations, the Munro is a sustainable, utilitarian, off-road workhorse. Focused on off-highway performance, reliability, ease-of-repair and longevity, the Munro is engineered to provide owners and operators with decades of service.

Endowed with a clear, strong, unique identity, the Munro sits visually apart from any other classic or contemporary vehicle in the sector, balancing its utilitarian nature with a handsome and well-proportioned aesthetic.

At the front of the vehicle, quad LED headlamps, and a prominent grille gave the Munro exceptional presence, whether ploughing through mud or parked outside an upmarket restaurant.

“The very short front overhang creates a snub nose. And that is elongated a little bit further by the way the bumper sticks out. It’s just by an inch or two, so the Munro still maintains excellent approach angles,” explains Ross Compton, Munro’s head of design. “While at the back, the rear of the vehicle is angled outwards rather than straight and flat, improving the departure angle and creating an additional sense of athleticism.”

Munro Mk_1: Electric Powertrain

After conducting thorough market research, Munro chose an axial flux electric motor, often referred to as a ‘pancake’ motor, for its compact design. This choice allows for a significant weight reduction, dropping from 80kg to 40kg in the case of the Munro when compared to a radial flux motor. The small size of the motor allows it to be placed between the two front-seat occupants in front of the vehicle’s bulkhead, contributing to a near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, improving off-road manoeuvrability.

“Axial flux electric motors are rarely used in the automotive mass-manufacture sector, where radial flux motors dominate,” explains head of powertrain, Ross Anderson. “Axial flux motors are quite challenging to manufacture at scale and require a high degree of hand assembly, and they also come at a price premium. However, an axial flux electric motor provides the perfect solution for our application.”

By operating at a relatively low rotational rate, the motor eliminates the need for a reduction drive by enabling drive to be taken directly to the transmission transfer case from the motor. Combined with a two-speed transmission, the motor can work in its ‘happy place’, where it performs with a much greater level of efficiency than a radial flux motor at low speed.

Munro offers two electric motor options, 220kW (299hp) and 280kW (380hp), along with two battery pack options, 61kWh and 82kWh. The maximum range reaches up to 190 miles, allowing the Munro to operate off-road for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.

The vehicle’s batteries are mounted in three heavy-duty aluminium boxes underneath the vehicle. This arrangement ensures it is quick, convenient, and inexpensive to replace individual battery modules if required.

“With your average electric vehicle, the battery is designed to last the life of the car, so in most cases, customers will never have to worry about replacing it. But because the Munro is engineered to last several decades, we will either recondition or replace the battery pack for customers when the time comes. This has the added benefit of guaranteeing the future value of our customers’ vehicles,” explains Anderson. “We will partner with companies specialising in reuse and recycling to recoup the residual value of the battery pack, which will enable us to fit the latest battery technology at a reasonable cost.”

Each Munro is geared for torque — up to 700Nm — with a top speed of 80mph, with the 280kW Performance version able to reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds. However, the vehicle’s focus is firmly on utility, workability, and superior off-road drivability.

Munro Mk_1: Off-Road

The Munro is equipped with a centrally-mounted electric motor, which powers a robust, proven and easily maintained mechanical four-wheel-drive system.

“The best way to drive off-road is to ensure that the same amount of torque is delivered to each wheel and that all the wheels spin at the same speed,” asserts Russell Peterson, Munro’s CEO. “And no matter how clever your computer is, you’re still going to have problems if you’ve got a split driveline in the vehicle.”

The Munro’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by a 480mm ground clearance and the capacity to traverse water up to a depth of 800mm. Its 84- and 51-degree approach and departure angles, along with a 148-degree ramp breakover angle, equip the Munro to handle steep inclines, deeply rutted terrain, craters and boulders. Munro claims it’s the “most capable production electric 4×4 on the planet.”

Munro builds its own axles and uses a mix of aftermarket and motorsport-derived components for the rest of the mechanical driveline. Parts, including the linkage for the coil over suspension, radius arms and steering bar, have all been developed by UK-based 4×4 competition specialists, all designed to perform optimally even under challenging conditions. A standard central locking differential is provided, with front and rear locking differentials available as options.

Munro Mk_1: Workhorse Cabin

The Munro features two front-side lockers, offering ‘saddle bag’ storage. These compartments can carry whatever the operator requires, be it charging cables, larger tools, or rain gear.

The vehicle’s interior includes industrial switchgear, which is practical and user-friendly, including fully-waterproof switches that can be operated with gloves on. Given the durable flooring and door surfaces, the vehicle can be power washed from waist height down. While the switches are quite robust, they can be easily and inexpensively replaced if damaged.

The Munro comes with a 12-volt electrical system, and customers have the choice of low- and high-power DC converters for running additional equipment like winches and light bars. The vehicle also features two USB C sockets, two wireless charging pads, and two standard three-pin household sockets, which can power appliances such as a microwave or kettle.

Ceiling-mounted LED strips provide excellent in-cabin illumination. The vehicle also comes pre-wired with a pre-mounted switch for flashing roof beacons if needed.

The dashboard features a simple, flat design with a two-stage, robust layout. A double DIN screen, compatible with Android Auto and Google CarPlay, is offered as a complimentary option. The sound system consists of six speakers, with two under the dashboard and one in each door, ensuring good sound quality throughout the cabin.

Munro Mk_1: Payload and towing

The Munro Mk_1 has a payload capacity of 1,000kg and can accommodate a standard Euro pallet in the load bay. Its towing limit stands at 3,500kg.

The design encourages customers to use the cargo area liberally. The lining of the cargo area is made of thick plywood, providing a clear distinction between the steel and aluminium materials while also being durable and hardwearing. For cargo security, the vehicle employs aluminium tracks and fastenings, each capable of securely holding 400kg of weight.

Munro Mk_1: Pricing and Availability

With a starting price of £49,995 (excluding VAT), the five-door, five-seat, 130-inch wheelbase Utility model of the Munro Mk_1 has already garnered several deposits for hand-built units set for production in 2023.

Munro plans to work with selected agents for marketing purposes but will not set up a traditional dealer network. Each vehicle comes with a comprehensive five-year/100,000-mile warranty, which Anderson describes as “super flexible.”

“We recognise and respect our customers’ right to repair and maintain their vehicle, and their doing so will not invalidate the warranty,” says Anderson. “Customers who are unable, or do not wish to look after the vehicle themselves can either bring their Munro to their local agent, or our service fleet will visit them and carry out the work onsite at their convenience.”

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.