The Munro combines a 280kW electric powertrain with a ‘robust, simple-to-maintain’ mechanical driveline claimed to deliver ‘uncompromised off-road ability’.
According to the manufacturer, the new 4x4’s attributes make it an ideal choice for those seeking to minimise their environmental footprint in sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, emergency rescue, remote infrastructure maintenance and recreation without compromising on performance or capability.
The Munro MK_1 can transport a crew of five, accommodating a 1000kg payload and 3500kg towing capability. It is engineered to provide owners and operators with decades of service, Munro said, with reliability, ease-of-repair and longevity in mind.
Before its global unveiling, the vehicle was subjected to an intensive two-year test programme, tackling demanding weather conditions.
Priced from c.£50k, Munro confirmed it has already received deposits for MK_1s that will be hand-built next year. Pre-sales agreements have been secured from fleet operators in key industries while orders for single vehicles have come from global locations including the UK, Switzerland, St Lucia and Dubai.
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In 2024, Munro will expand from its current headquarters in East Kilbride to a new purpose-built factory in central Scotland. Production will scale to more than 250 units per year initially, leading to the creation of over 300 new jobs according to the company. The site aims to eventually produce 2,500 vehicles per annum.
“This launch is the culmination of four years of testing, modification and sheer determination and I am incredibly proud to unveil what we believe is the world’s most capable all-electric 4x4,” said Russ Peterson, Munro co-founder and CEO.
Munro launched in 2019 with private funding provided by Peterson and co-founder Ross Anderson. A further injection was provided in 2021 by London-based VC Elbow Beach Capital. Members of the board include Selwyn Mould, a former head of supply chain at Lotus Cars and Jonathan Pollock, CEO of Elbow Beach Capital.
“A significant opportunity exists to materially decarbonise numerous industries and Munro is now one of the best-placed UK EV manufacturers to achieve this,” said board member Jonathan Pollock.
“Commercial EVs, particularly in the UK, have too often taken the back seat to consumer-focused peers, Munro is about to change that.”
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