The Munro Mk_1 is the lovechild of a Defender and a Tesla Cybertruck

Utilitarian is the optimum word, too, with serious claims about payload, towing and off-road capability. You can load it up with up to 1,000kg of cargo, tow up to 3,500kg and allegedly, tackle rough terrain for up to 16 hours non-stop with the range it offers. That figure is, well, a not spectacular sounding 190 miles, but that’s in normal driving. Off-road, where low-speed torque is the aim of the game, electric power – particularly that of the Munro – is in its element. That’s especially thanks to the Axial-flux motor, which is lighter and allows for lower RPM running and a simplified drivetrain. Its increased torque at lower speeds makes it even better than conventional EVs low-down. The power is put to the wheels via a two-speed transmission, which keeps the motor in its ‘happy place’ depending on your performance demands.

Off-road figures of note include 480mm of ground clearance, wading capability of 800mm, 84- and 51-degree approach and departure angles and a 148-degree ramp breakover angle. Impressive for its relatively lengthy 130-inch wheelbase.

This is a very focused machine, designed to perform off the beaten path, not on it. Perhaps that’s why in spite of the impressive 380PS (280kW) power figure, it’s only good for an 80mph top speed. That’s the high-power version too, with a 299PS (220kW) version coming as standard. Two battery packs feed the motors, one 61kWh and the other 82kWh, with the latter delivering that 190-mile range figure. AC and DC charging are standard, with the Munro able to juice up in as little as 30 minutes, or plug in for a slower overnight charge.

The low top speed doesn’t necessarily mean slow acceleration. The accessible torque (700Nm (516lb ft) at up to 50mph) for off-road prowess gives a speedy side-effect. The performance version can get to 62mph in under five seconds.

Perhaps the most interesting point about this boxy machine is an emphasis on durability and serviceability. This is a vehicle that’s been designed to last several decades. Given batteries have something of a shorter lifespan than that, the Lithium NMC modules mounted within three durable alloy cases are easy to remove and replace if required. Out of the box they’re guaranteed to deliver up to 80 per cent of brand-new capacity for at least eight years of 100,000 miles. Being built with a view to having batteries replaced also means owners can expect improved performance from their Munro as the car gets older. The old batteries won’t simply be replaced with like-for-like items, rather whatever’s current at the time of the swap.

“With your average electric vehicle, the battery is designed to last the life of the car, so in most cases, customers will never have to worry about replacing it,” said Ross Anderson, co-founder of Munro.

“But because the Munro is engineered to last several decades, we will either recondition or replace the battery pack for customers when the time comes. This has the added benefit of guaranteeing the future value of our customers’ vehicles. We will partner with companies specialising in reuse and recycling to recoup the residual value of the battery pack, which will enable us to fit the latest battery technology at a reasonable cost.

“We recognise and respect our customers’ right to repair and maintain their vehicle, and their doing so will not invalidate the warranty. Customers who are unable, or do not wish to look after the vehicle themselves, can either bring their Munro to their local agent, or our service fleet will visit them and carry out the work onsite at their convenience.”

So the Munro effectively sounds like the true all-electric successor to the Land Rover Defender, in the way that workers remember it. That’s to say, a rugged, durable, dependable and repairable workhorse. At £49,995, it also ought to cost a bit less than some other pretenders to the Defender’s throne.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2023, with these initial cars being hand-built. From then on, a new purpose-built factory in Scotland will take over, with the initial capacity of 250 units per year rising to a maximum of 2,500. If this thing can deliver on all of these claims, it’ll be truly unique. A car designed to last 50 years, in an industry largely dominated by three-year finance-driven ownership cycles.