An electric UMM climbed Portugal's highest dune
The electric UMM is still just a prototype, but it’s already making waves in areas where many jeeps give up along the way.
This is one of those places where off-road enthusiasts go to separate the good from the bad and test what their jeeps are capable of. Located in the Leiria region, it’s considered by many to be the largest dune on the Iberian Peninsula, and that alone says almost everything.
This enormous sand ascent is well-known among off-road drivers and tests two key factors: traction and power. Overcoming it is never easy, especially for models that aren’t specially prepared.
But in a video that’s started circulating on social media, it’s possible to see the prototype of the new electric UMM, still camouflaged, tackling the ascent and reaching the top with apparent ease. Take a look:
We don’t know whether this challenge was part of the prototype development program or simply an opportunity to test the capabilities of this electric UMM in a highly demanding scenario. Either way, it remains a strong demonstration of what this jeep is capable of.
Given the images, it seems this electric UMM had no additional preparations compared to what it showed when it was unveiled a few weeks ago at the Caramulo Motorfestival 2026.
Over 200 hp
The brand itself has avoided confirming whether this prototype will lead to a future production model, but we already know some of its specifications.
From sources close to the brand, we learned that this prototype uses only one electric motor capable of generating over 200 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels. The battery, supplied by Fellten, has a capacity of 55 kWh and a maximum voltage of 350 V.
As for development, it is still underway indoors. This is because UMM turned to ISEL — Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa — to design the electric system for this Alter, ensuring that this iconic model remains built with national engineering.
What to expect?
As UMM approaches its 50th anniversary since founding, it would be expected that the brand would use this milestone to unveil the next chapter in its history. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.
Still, it’s worth recalling the words of Filipe Baptista da Silva, UMM’s administrator, when he appeared on Auto Rádio da Razão Automóvel: “The future of UMM is a blank page.” In other words, anything is possible. And judging by what this electric prototype is capable of, we might indeed see a major comeback from União Metalo-Mecânica.