By now, you must be probably familiar with the Munro MK_1, a fully electric off-roader from Great Britain focused on mining, construction, utilities, agriculture, and defense sectors. A year after the debut of the MK_1 which is now deemed as a pre-production prototype, Munro previews the production-spec Series-M.
According to Munro, the Series-M features a number of styling and engineering updates driven by “extensive field trials of, and customer feedback” on the MK_1 pre-production models. As with the MK_1, the production model will remain available in Truck (SUV) and Pickup bodystyles.
Munro Head of Design, Ross Compton, said that the revised exterior has a “more distinct design” bringing improvements in forward visibility, practicality, servicing, aerodynamics, cooling performance, and efficiency.
More: Munro MK_1 Mountain Rescue Edition Will Silently Save You If Your Adventure Trip Goes Wrong
The EV retains its boxy shape but the nose has been extensively redesigned, looking more rugged and less generic than before. The round headlights are now mounted next to a set of intakes which in combination with the opened grille provide better cooling and improve aerodynamics. The bonnet is now inclined, while the front and rear bolt-on fenders are more sculpted than before, leading to rounded wheel arches. Finally, a roof-mounted “exoskeleton” allows easier mounting of all kinds of equipment, something crucial for Munro’s target audience.
Inside, new additions include an adjustable steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls, and improved ergonomics. Furthermore, the EVs offer more safety thanks to the available airbags, ABS, stability control, and traction control, while the ride is quieter courtesy of new sound-deadening materials.
Faster Charging, Longer Range, And A Quieter Ride
The battery pack has been replaced with a “more durable, longer-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate” unit which can charge in 30 minutes thanks to 130 kW rapid charging capability (versus the previous 100 kW). The targeted range has been slightly increased to 200 miles (322 km), which is an extra 10 miles (16 km) over the previous estimates. Munro engineers also improved the thermal efficiency, using heat produced by the drivetrain to heat the cabin.
The single electric motor will be available in two versions, producing 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) in the M170 or up to 375 hp (280 kW / 381 PS) in the M280. Both retain Munro’s mechanical full-time 4WD system promising exceptional off-road capabilities.
Munro claims their EVs have been engineered for as many as 50 years of service as long as the owner follows the guidelines on routine maintenance and planned refurbishment.
Deliveries of the first Munro Series-M pilot vehicles will commence before the end of the year, while the final model will enter production in Scotland in mid-2024. UK pricing starts from £49,995 ($60,408) for both the Truck and Pickup models. According to Munro CEO and Co-Founder Russell Peterson, they have paid reservations and sales agreements for 8 pilot vehicles in 2023, and another 221 production vehicles in 2024-2025. The company hopes to ramp up production to an annual rate of 2,500 vehicles by 2027.
The company has also announced an equity crowdfunding round via the Seedrs investment platform between October 3 and 31st, in order to hire more people and expand their facilities.
