SCOTTISH EV start-up Munro has unveiled a pick-up variant of its Mk1 commercial 4x4, giving industries such as forestry a zero-emission alternative to combustion-engined pick-ups.

Its capabilities broadly mirror those of the regular Mk1, with the pick-up able to house a Euro-size pallet, carry 1,050 kg and tow up to 3,500 kg in Performance specification.

The range-topping variant features a single electric motor that sends 375 bhp and 516 lb ft through a two-speed transfer-case gearbox (with a low-range gear and central locking differential). This allows the pick-up to cover 0–60 mph in a claimed 4.9 sec, faster than the Ford Ranger Raptor, which reaches 62 mph in 7.9 sec.

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As with the original Mk1, Utility and Range variants are also offered with a less powerful motor producing 295 bhp and 443 lb ft. This allows the model to reach 62 mph from a standstill in 7.6 sec.

The 75.2 kWh (usable capacity) battery offered in Range and Performance models can be recharged at up rates of up to 90 kW, enabling 15-80 per cent in 36 minutes. This battery yields a range of 152-190 miles, depending on the conditions, according to Munro.

Utility models are expected to receive the same 56.3 kWh battery as in the regular Mk1, allowing 112-141 miles between charges. The smaller battery is limited to a maximum recharge rate of 70 kW, but still manages 15-80 per cent in 36 minutes.

The firm is targeting its vehicles at commercial fleets in heavy industries (for example, mining and construction) as well as agriculture and defence, to help with decarbonisation efforts.

Co-founder and CEO Russell Peterson said: “This represents a significant global market opportunity and one which, with our financial partners, we are poised to fully exploit as we take the next strategic step and move towards the pre-production prototype stage.”

Forestry Journal:

Munro will build 50 early examples of the Mk1 (both in pick-up and traditional 4x4 forms) this year. The pick-up is priced from £49,995 (excluding VAT) and has already attracted more than 200 orders – a two-year order book – of which three come from FTSE 100 companies and 10 from FTSE 250 companies.

The start-up’s roadmap targets 2,500 units annually by 2027, which would make it the first manufacturer in Scotland to produce a significant volume of cars since Peugeot-Talbot left Linwood in 1981.