Denbighshire County Council is deploying a UK-first electric 4×4 to cut fleet emissions and improve air quality.

Developed by Munro Vehicles, the Series-M M280 will be used by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscapes rangers to help with daily duties on the hills and will be based at Loggerheads County Park.

The UK-built EV has a ‘real-world’ electric driving range of 170 miles, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and is the first series production vehicle from Scotland in more than 40 years.

Named Morag for its similar nature to its Highland cattle counterparts, the Munro was chosen for its ability to tackle the terrain of the Clwydians and other hilly sites, having been thoroughly tested on all types of off-road situations and being able to handle gradients above 40 degrees.

Introducing the Munro is part of Denbighshire County Council’s ongoing effort to cut fleet emissions and lower long-term maintenance and service costs by replacing end-of-life vehicles with proven electric vehicle equivalents.

Morag’s arrival, the first of its kind anywhere in the UK, has been made possible by funding from the Welsh government’s Energy Service and the need to replace a fossil fuel-powered pick-up truck that has reached the end of its fleet life.

The vehicle will be showcased later this week by Denbighshire Fleet Services at the Denbigh and Flint Show on 21 August. Sporting a front bumper pair of horns in homage to its roots from Scottish lands, it will be available for event visitors young and old to meet and greet.

Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: “Morag is going to be a great addition for supporting the rangers with work across the Clwydian terrain and will be easy to spot by visitors to the area as well. It’s also fantastic to have what is a UK first, home nations developed EV vehicle now helping maintain Denbighshire landscapes.

“This new addition will provide greener and cleaner mileage at a lower fuel cost and with the general maintenance costs less as well, will provide long term savings.

“It’s a fitting vehicle to operate within this area of outstanding natural beauty and I would encourage all to come and see Morag and chat to our fleet staff to learn more at the show.”