A ground-breaking new utility EV said to be the world’s most capable all-electric 4×4 is to launch next month in Scotland.

Designed and built by Glasgow-based automotive start-up Munro, the new arrival is seen by some as the answer to the famous American ‘Humvee’. It’s able to navigate the most challenging terrain and operate for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge. It will also be the first vehicle to enter volume production in Scotland in more than four decades.

Said to offer prodigious all-terrain ability and zero tailpipe emissions from its all-electric powertrain, it’s aimed at fleet operators in sectors such as construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, mountain rescue, remote infrastructure maintenance and leisure.

It’s able to transport a crew of five, accommodating a 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity

Production and sales could reach over 3,000 vehicles by the end of 2025 – and the vehicle is already set to be made available to fleets across the US from 2023, after all-electric vehicle sales and leasing company Wyre secured exclusive distribution rights.

The Munro MK_1 will be revealed on 5 December but CEO Russell Peterson said an early sketch by the firm’s in-house designer Ross Compton underlines the company’s “design commitment to build an all-terrain electric 4xa4 engineered from the wheels up to provide unparalleled workhorse capability for commercial customers looking to decarbonise their fleets”.

He added: “The Munro MK_1 will effortlessly go to places others can’t reach, with bulletproof durability and ultra-low running costs.

“The Munro team and I can’t wait to show the world the fully finished vehicle on 5 December.”

A spokesman for the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland also commented on the vehicle launch, saying: “It is great to see vehicle production back in Scotland and, in particular, an electric vehicle.

“This is an exciting development that will greatly assist Scotland’s transition to all electric transportation.

“EVA Scotland hopes that Munro Vehicles achieve worldwide success with their new 4×4 EV. It has already been well received in the USA through the efforts of Wyre, the EV sales and leasing specialists who have been promoting the vehicle extensively in overseas markets.”