Scottish start-up Munro is set to start production of its all terrain electric truck at the end of this year, ready for sales from 2023. 

Starting from around £75,000, the Munro is expected to have a payload of 1,000kg, clearance for a full-sized pallet in the rear and a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

The Munro is designed for hard core off road work, with permanent four-wheel-drive and locking differentials. Its 80.1kWh battery can charge at speeds up to 100kW and powers a 280kW electric motor, offering a range of 168 miles.

While the interior is minimal, true to the utilitarian function of the truck, it does have air conditioning and heated seats standard.

The Munro is designed for hard core off road work, with permanent four-wheel-drive and locking differentials

Sales will be targeted at the US as well as the UK, with Munro signing a deal with EV leasing and sales company Wyre to market the truck in America and Canada. Half of the vehicles produced in 2023 will be left-hand-drive models for North America.

The new manufacturing facility in East Kilbride will scale up production from 50 units in 2023 to 500 units in 2024 and 2,500 in 2025. Demand is expected to rise to 5,000 vehicles per year by 2030 with a large proportion of these destined for the US market.

Munro’s CEO Russ Peterson said: “This opportunity demonstrates that Munro Vehicles has the potential to be a global player in the automotive industry, with a product that is clearly desirable around the world.”

The Munro shares its underpinnings with the original Land Rover Defender with some modifications to accommodate the battery packs and electric motors. Peterson explained: “We decided early on not to re-invent the wheel. Straightforward and readily available components minimise production cost and provide owners with accessible means to maintain and repair their own vehicle.”

The Munro uses the chassis and suspension from the original Land Rover Defender