What Is “Morag”?
Morag is the nickname for Denbighshire County Council’s Munro Series-M M280 electric utility truck. The name was inspired by its resemblance to Highland cattle, symbolising durability and resilience. Designed to cope with steep gradients and remote terrain, Morag provides the council’s countryside team with a powerful yet environmentally friendly vehicle to carry out work across the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.
Who Builds It?
Morag is manufactured by Munro Vehicles, officially registered as All Terrain All Electric Ltd. and based near Glasgow. The company was founded in 2019 by engineers Russ Peterson and Ross Anderson, who wanted to create robust electric off-road machines for industries such as forestry, farming, utilities, and public sector operations.
Today, Munro is recognised as Scotland’s only volume car manufacturer, reviving an industry absent since the 1980s. From its early prototype in 2022 through the Series-M launch in 2023, the business has grown quickly, securing millions of pounds’ worth of pre-orders and outlining ambitious plans to expand production capacity and workforce over the next few years.
A UK First in Council Fleet Electrification
The Munro Series-M M280 is the first mass-produced, Scottish-built electric 4×4 in over forty years. Denbighshire County Council has become the first local authority to add one to its operational fleet, setting an example for others to follow.
Cllr Barry Mellor, cabinet member for Environment and Transport, explained:
“Morag is going to be a great addition for supporting the rangers with work across the Clwydian terrain… 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.”
The purchase was supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s Energy Service, which helps councils test practical electric options for challenging work environments.
Built for Tough Council Work
Local authority vehicles are often pushed to their limits—navigating rough countryside, climbing steep tracks, and towing heavy equipment. The M280 has been designed with those demands in mind, offering:
280 kW (375 bhp) of power
700 Nm of torque
3,500 kg towing ability
On a full charge, the M280 covers about 170 miles in day-to-day use. If the battery runs low, its 100 kW fast charging system can restore 0–80% charge in around half an hour—convenient for a short break during a shift.
Off-Road Strength Without Emissions
The M280 is purpose-built for off-road assignments, making it ideal for Denbighshire’s rangers and environmental teams. Its abilities include:
Tackling inclines over 40 degrees
Providing onboard power through an inverter, charging ports, and wireless pads
Allowing tools to be run directly from the vehicle, reducing reliance on portable generators
Russell Peterson, co-founder of Munro Vehicles, commented:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Denbighshire County Council as the first local authority in Wales to deploy the Munro Series-M. This marks a significant step toward sustainable, all-terrain capability for public services.”
Supporting the Council’s Green Strategy
Adding Morag fits neatly into Denbighshire’s wider programme to reduce fleet emissions in line with the UK’s 2030 and 2035 targets. Beyond environmental gains, electric 4x4s like the M280 also offer practical advantages:
Fewer moving parts mean reduced servicing and repair bills
Running on electricity is cheaper than diesel over the long term
The switch demonstrates a proactive approach to clean transport that other authorities are also exploring
Looking Ahead for Council EV Fleets
Across the UK, councils are beginning to reconsider how their fleets are powered. Interest is growing in heavy-duty electric options, particularly in rural authorities that need vehicles capable of serious off-road work.
By choosing a rugged, Scottish-made truck that balances environmental responsibility with hard-working performance, Denbighshire has taken an early lead. It seems likely that many more councils will soon follow their example.
