Munro Vehicles today took the wraps off its first-ever vehicle, the MK_1 electric off-roader. The company claims that the MK_1 is an SUV that’s as rugged and capable as it is eco-friendly. Depending on the ticked option box, the Munro MK_1 offers either 295 hp or 375 hp and up to 700 Nm of torque. Unlike most other electric AWD SUVs, though, this comes from just one motor, instead of motors at each axle.

Munro chose to use a single electric motor because of its intense focus on off-roading. The power unit is placed in the middle of the SUV to help it achieve near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It also allows a perfect torque distribution. After much deliberation, the team chose to go with an axial flux motor. The unit weighs half as much as a more common radial flux motor (40 kg in the case of the Munro MK_1). That also means that the motor spins slower, eliminating the need for a reduction drive, which allows the torque to go straight from the motor to the two-speed transmission to the transfer case and work in its most efficient RPM range at all times.

 

Axial flux motors also generate high torque in reverse, which means that the regenerative braking is particularly strong. There is also, of course, a heavy-duty mechanical braking system. Although Munro is clear that it’s focused on off-road performance, it says that the motor can get the MK_1 up to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 129 km/h, though. In terms of batteries, the Munro MK_1 will be offered with either a 61 kWh or an 82 kWh pack, offering up to 306 km of range. It’s made up of NMC battery modules that are mounted in heavy-duty aluminum boxes under the vehicle. Munro didn’t want to use a skateboard chassis, because it wants the MK_1 to be more durable. The company says it wants to be able to refurbish or replace battery modules as necessary. The batteries can be recharged overnight with a standard plug or in just over 30 minutes at a DC fast charger.

The MK_1 sits on a galvanized steel ladder chassis and is constructed of 5 mm thick steel. It has 480 mm of ground clearance, the ability to wade through water at a depth of up to 800 mm, and 84-degree approach and 51-degree departure angles, as well as a 148-degree breakover angle. Munro makes its own axles. For the coilovers, the radius arms, and the steering bars, Munro turned to 4×4 competition specialists to deliver high-performance capabilities, and a center-locking differential comes standard. The front and rear locking diffs are offered as options.

 

The MK_1 is also big enough to hold a standard Euro pallet in the load bay. It can haul up to 1,000 kg and can tow up to 3,500 kg. Although Munro has worked to add rubber and soft materials to reduce NVH and improve cabin comfort, it remains a utility vehicle.

The company is already taking deposits for the first batch of “Founders Edition” models that will be built at its headquarters in Kilbride, Scotland. A new purpose-built factory is being built in central Scotland, with production planned to start there in 2024. Munro will initially produce just 250 units per year but claim they will eventually raise this figure to 2,500 examples. Prices for the off-roader start at £ 49,995 (US$ 61,054).