Munro EV
Pioneering Off-Road Electrification:
How Munro Vehicles Built a Robust EV Platform with Hardwire Electronics
Since 2019, from their industrial park on the outskirts of Glasgow, Munro Vehicles has been engineering a new generation of all-electric off-road vehicles. The Munro M170 and M280 are designed with a function-first philosophy, blending a traditional ladder-frame chassis with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain. This innovative approach is tailored for demanding sectors such as forestry, mining, agriculture, mountain rescue, and military operations. The result is a vehicle that promises unparalleled off-road capability, a significant reduction in fleet CO2 emissions, and a service life intended to exceed 30 years.
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At the heart of this rugged vehicle's electrical architecture is a strategic decision made early in its development: the integration of the Hardwire Electronics PDM25. To manage the complex low-voltage power distribution required, each Munro EV utilizes two of these Power Distribution Modules. One unit is situated at the front of the vehicle to control essential equipment like coolant pumps and headlights, while a second unit at the rear manages systems such as interior lighting and window motors. Connected via the vehicle's CAN bus, these PDMs communicate seamlessly with each other and the main Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), ensuring fully integrated vehicle-wide connectivity.​
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The selection of the PDM25 was critical to meeting Munro's ambitious design goals, offering several key advantages over traditional fuse and relay systems:
FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN
The development phase of any vehicle involves frequent changes, with electrical components often being added or removed. The PDM25's programmability allows engineers to reassign and reconfigure outputs on the fly without any physical wiring changes. This agility proved invaluable, saving significant time and cost during the initial design and prototyping stages of the M170 and M280.
ENHANCED RELIABILITY
AND LONGEVITY
A core objective for the Munro EV is a long and reliable service life. By replacing traditional mechanical relays and fuses—components prone to failure over time, especially in harsh environments—with the PDM25's solid-state electronics, Munro has engineered a more durable and dependable electrical system designed to last. This solid-state technology is resistant to vibration, water, and dirt, which is critical for an off-road vehicle.
SOPHISTICATED VEHICLE CONTROL
With both PDM25 units integrated into the CAN bus network, the vehicle's VCU can implement sophisticated control strategies. This connectivity allows for intelligent management of power distribution, fault detection, and system monitoring, contributing to both the safety and performance of the vehicle.
OVERALL COST SAVINGS
The adoption of the PDM25 translates to cost efficiencies throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. Savings are realised through simplified wiring loom designs, the elimination of numerous individual electrical components, and a reduction in long-term maintenance and repair costs.
As Munro Vehicles scales up production to meet a growing order book for 2026 and beyond, the company has affirmed its commitment to its partnership with Hardwire Electronics. The proven performance and reliability of the PDM25 have made it a foundational component in Munro's mission to deliver the world's most capable and enduring all-electric 4x4s.