THE second generation of an electric 4x4 that made inroads into the forestry sector is now available. 

Unveiled at Lamma, the all-new Spartan EV 2.0 promises to match supreme yet easy-to-use off-road capability with on-road refinement.

Engineered with the likes of forestry and agriculture in mind, MW Motors’ EV 2.0 starts at around £49,995, and builds on the success of its predecessor. 

Officials at the Czech start-up took on board feedback from customers of the original Spartan EV – a conversion of the UAZ Hunter, a Russian military 4x4 dating back to 1971 – from across Europe. In the UK, a first-generation vehicle was tested by a Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) group in Galloway, who told Forestry Journal that they were very impressed by its potential. 

Forestry Journal: The original Spartan EV was widely praised by foresters The original Spartan EV was widely praised by foresters

In the Spartan 2.0, a single motor in place of a gearbox transmits 174 hp and a huge 793 lb ft of torque through a transfer case to give manually selectable two- or four-wheel drive with high and low ranges. There are also manually locking differentials at the front and rear and hill descent control.

With a usable capacity of 57.4 kWh, the under-bonnet battery provides a range of around 150 miles – enough for the average customer’s working week, believes MWM.

Charging can occur at rates of up to 90 kW, so a 20 to 80 per cent fill should take just over half an hour. Bi-directional charging is possible, meaning 230 V can be provided to power tools and other equipment.

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At 4,116 mm long and 1,812 mm wide, the Spartan 2.0 is considerably smaller than most off-roaders, allowing easier manoeuvrability in rural areas. Its approach angle is stated at 38 degrees and its departure angle at 35 degrees, while its breakover angle is estimated to be 25 degrees. The slightly larger new Dacia Duster SUV, for reference, touts angles of 31 degrees, 36 degrees and 24 degrees.

The Spartan 2.0’s kerb weight is 2,350 kg, while the load and towing capacities are 1,025 kg and 3,000 kg.

Suspension is by coil springs and an anti-roll bar at both the front and the rear.