Scottish EV start-up targets LandCruiser, Defender

New British EV start-up Munro Vehicles plans to launch a tough all-electric off-roader alternative to the Toyota LandCruiser and Land Rover Defender next year that will produce 280kW of power and offer a driving range of 270km.

Initially aiming at large commercial fleets before targeting private buyers, Glasgow-based Munro intends to build 500 examples of the Munro Mark 1 4x4 by 2024, before ramping up its annual production to 2500 by 2025 and 5000 by 2030.

Right-hand drive has been confirmed, suggesting a launch Down Under could be possible as the market for tough off-road electric vehicles expands with new models on the horizon, including an electric version of the INEOS Grenadier.

Australian start-up Roev also recently announced plans to produce all-electric variants of the top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger utes.

Announcing its strategy in the UK overnight, the Scottish firm said the 2023 Munro Mark 1 4x4’s all-electric powertrain would produce 280kW and 700Nm of torque.

It will draw energy from an 80.1kWh battery that enables a driving range of up to 270km and can be recharged at up to 100kW (DC), with a top-up from 10-80 per cent said to take 36 minutes.

Importantly, the Mark 1 will also offer a one-tonne payload and maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Instead of dual motors, the Mark 1 gets a two-speed transfer box and comes with both lockable differentials and rigid axles developed for the most unforgiving terrain.

There’s no word on whether it sits on a traditional ladder frame architecture, but it’s likely.

Designed with extreme off-roading in mind, the Mark 1 4x4 is said to have “excellent” approach and departure angles and be capable of high axle articulation, although specific details are still to be released.

Munro says all components are galvanised and protected against water, dust and mud.

Available for pre-orders now, the 2023 Munro Mark 1 4x4 will be priced from around £75,000 ($A128,000).

Munro has confirmed it is targeting North America as a “key growth market”, where operators of gold mines and oil fields are seen as a prime audience.

Mining companies in Australia are also likely to be high on its agenda.

As well as producing vehicles from its factory in Glasgow, the company says it plans to offer the rugged off-roader in kit form so it can be built at lower prices domestically in some of the markets it’s targeting.

The Mark 1 is designed to provide owners with the capability to maintain and repair their vehicle outside traditional manufacturer-owned dealer networks for the lowest running costs possible.

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