MWM Spartan EV: A Revolutionary Product For A Niche Up-And-Coming Segment
Jonny Smith reviews MWM Spartan EV, which is a new no-frills electric off-roader based on a Russian military vehicle.
BMW recently caused controversy when it described its upcoming i7 offering as the world’s first-ever electric sedan. The Bavarian automaker’s statement also highlighted a very interesting trend in the industry. Over the years, EVs have become synonymous with luxury, performance, and opulence. However, a new Czech outfit called Morris Ward Motors is going back to basics with its new no-frills product. The MWM Spartan EV is a rugged off-roader designed to tackle the wild outdoors.
In one of the newest episodes of The Late Brake Show, Jonny Smith offers an in-depth look at the all-new Spartan EV. The electric off-roader started its life as a military vehicle in Soviet-era Russia. Morris Ward Motors procures the rolling shell of the internal combustion version, which is also sold as the UAZ Hunter. In addition to an electric powertrain and straight front axle, the EV startup then also installs coil spring suspension at the front and leaf spring suspension at the rear.
“It’s so interesting to have a car launch in this day and age, which has such a mad combination of old tech with new tech but that’s what I really like about the Spartan. That’s why I wanted to feature it on The Late Brake Show because I think although this is a niche vehicle, there’s a place for it,” said Jonny. He further added, “I think it can really work for a certain type of tradesperson a certain type of industry.”
The top speed of MWM Spartan is limited to 80 MPH. The EV also gets regenerative braking which can generate up to 60 kW.
Jonny was joined by Rosh Mendis, who is the Sales Manager of Morris Ward Motors UK. Mendes revealed that the automaker designs the battery management and diagnostics systems for the Spartan EV in-house. Under the hood, a synchronous water-cooled 120 kilowatt AC motor propels the Spartan 4X4. The battery-only powertrain produces around 443 lb-ft of peak torque.
A 62.16 kWh battery pack sends power to all four wheels and is good for 125 miles of range. The battery packs sit inside an armored box that offers additional safety when you want to go off-roading. Even with its barebone construction, the WMW Motors Spartan EV costs around $47,000 or €35,395 (at current exchange rates).
“This is a really difficult car to give a verdict on because it’s brand new, fully-electric, old-school looking 4×4, and there’s not a lot else out there which does that, in fact, I can’t think of one,” said Jonny. He further added,” the closest competitor is to buy a second-hand off-roader and have it retrofitted as an EV, but that’s more money than this.”
Image Source: The Late Brake Show