Almost a year ago, we wrote about the launch of the Munro MK1, and recently, the Series M was unveiled, introducing a flexible range of all-electric 4WDs. The production-ready Munro is now offered in two distinct variations: the 170 kilowatt M170 and the 280 kilowatt M280; these vehicles are available in Utility or Truck body and Chassis body styles according to the Series M brochure.
When the Munro EV MK1 was first launched, we noticed a distinct similarity to the Bollinger EV SUV. The design of the Munro 4WD EV has since been significantly revised (we were not the only ones to notice the similarity between the 2022 Munro MK1 and the Bollinger SUV; a few weeks after our article was published, Bollinger Motors of Detroit sued the Scottish start-up, alleging infringement of a group of design patents owned by Bollinger (USD836027 & USD836487). If anything, the new design is significantly more attractive and seems more refined and practical than the original, contested design.
The Munro is an electric 4×4 utility vehicle primarily intended for commercial use. A centrally located electric motor drives the Munro; the M170 includes 130 kilowatts of DC charging, LFP battery packs, and a load volume exceeding 422 gallons. The M280 boasts a 7,700 pounds towing capacity and a total of 15,400 pounds of train weight or GCM (the Gross Combined Mass, which represents the upper limit for the total weight of a road vehicle, encompassing the passengers, cargo within the tow vehicle, as well as the trailer and its cargo).
The claimed optimal range is approximately 200 miles, and the towing range is approximately 63.5 miles. The transmission is a two-speed central transfer case with a locking differential and front and rear rigid beam axles. The vehicle offers permanent four-wheel drive. Being a proper off-roader, the body is appropriately angled and robust. The approach angle is a respectable 84 degrees, the departure angle is 51 degrees, and the breakover angle is 148 degrees. The minimum body clearance is 18.9 inches, and the suspension is coil-sprung with shock absorbers. Much of the Mk1 running gear was based on classic Land Rover Defender DNA, but it is difficult to establish how significantly the design has changed since 2022 as, curiously, most of the previous Munro website links are now invalid.
The angular body is made of galvanized steel and aluminum bolted onto a 5-millimeter ladder frame. The MK1 is also built with integrated roll protection and falling object protection. The front row offers seating for the driver and one passenger, who will enjoy basic climate control, and the second row of seats has been deleted to provide a cavernous load area. It is still being determined whether the M Series will also be available as a five-seater or a commercial vehicle.
According to the original Munro website, “Munro is a company centered around building EVs for miners, tree surgeons, quarriers, farmers, search and rescue teams, and other heavy industry sectors. We are building tough trucks capable of more than that of any road-going 4×4. Munro Vehicles was established in 2021 by Russ Peterson and Ross Anderson to create a practical, go-anywhere-do-anything EV for the world’s heaviest industries.”
As we reported in 2022, the Munro MK1 should be available in the USA. Glasgow-based EV leasing specialist Wyre recently secured exclusive rights for selling and distributing the Munro 4×4 utility EV as a stateside commercial vehicle. Originally, the pricing was announced from $74,000 but has since increased significantly.
Munro M170 from $94,000 / Munro M280 from $112,000 | munro-ev.com
Read more: ARB Introduces New Old Man Emu MT64 Shock Absorber Engineered for Overlanding
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
