Electric power is coming to the world of rugged 4×4 commercial vehicles as Munro prepares to reveal the final production version of its all-electric Mk_1.

Designed, engineered, and built in Britain, Munro has promised that the Mk_1 will be “the world’s most capable all-electric 4×4” ahead of its launch on 5 December 2022.

Designed as a utilitarian vehicle, the Mk_1 is expected to be offered with a 52kWh battery pack powering an electric motor developing 700Nm of torque. A driving range of 150 miles is likely, with the Munro able to navigate off-road terrain for as long as 16 hours on a single battery charge. Larger battery packs will be available for custom orders and can be retrofitted at a later date.

The high-efficiency, high-torque axial electric motor drives a proven mechanical 4×4 driveline. The vehicle is bolstered by 480mm ground clearance and an 800mm wading depth, plus exceptional axle articulation, 38° approach, and 51° departure angles.

The Munro’s all-terrain ability and electric powertrain make it an option for commercial operators seeking to minimise their environmental footprint, including construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, mountain rescue, and remote infrastructure maintenance.

A crew of five can be transported to the most rugged locations in the Mk_1, while the vehicle can also accommodate a 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity. The vehicle features a body-on-frame design with live axles front and rear, and the drive motor coupled to a central transfer box, giving the vehicle impressive off-road performance.

The body and chassis are sourced from Ibex Automotive in Yorkshire, which has been developing four-wheel-drive vehicles for over 30 years. Components for the vehicle are sourced from companies as locally as possible to minimise carbon impact and support the UK economy.

Munro Mk_1 Design Sketch

“This early sketch of the Munro MK_1 by our award-winning in-house designer Ross Compton, underlines our design commitment to build an all-terrain electric 4×4 engineered from the wheels up to provide unparalleled workhorse capability for commercial customers looking to decarbonise their fleets,” explains Russell Peterson, Munro CEO. “The Munro MK_1 will effortlessly go to places others can’t reach, with bulletproof durability and ultra-low running costs. The Munro team and I can’t wait to show the world the fully finished vehicle on December fifth.”

Hugh Roberts, director of off-road driving and training company, Far by Four, has assisted Munro with the MK_1’s development programme. Roberts added: “We have subjected the Munro to extensive testing off-road. We have driven through deep water and glutinous mud, traversed steep terrain, mastered side slopes and axle twisters and effortlessly towed trailers and vehicles. A combination of prodigious electric torque, supple suspension and a rigid chassis makes the Munro an easy vehicle to place confidently without the need for excessive speed to clear technical terrain.”

Development of the Munro Mk_1 started in early 2019 when founders Russ Peterson and Ross Anderson came up with the design for a rugged four-wheel-drive EV. The duo set to work on converting a Land Rover to electric power before creating the Munro Mk_1 concept. After three years, the self-funded company is moving towards the production of its electric 4×4, expecting to build just 50 vehicles in 2023. By 2030, the company expects to increase that to 5,000 vehicles a year.

Phil Huff
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