KGM Musso EV review: All-electric pick-up truck leading the charge

We get to grips with one of the few 100% electric pick-ups – the all-new KGM Musso EV

It’s fair to say that the pick-up truck sector isn’t exactly leading the charge when it comes to electrification.

There are only about half a dozen pick-ups from different brands on the market anyway, and though the odd mild or plug-in hybrid has been launched, the diesel engine is still the power source of choice.

Pick-up trucks are Britain’s workhorses and diesels deliver massive pulling power at very low engine speeds, which is essential for moving heavy payloads and towing up to 3.5 tonnes, plus they are capable of superior fuel economy under heavy loads.

That said, the commercial sector isn’t immune to the transition to zero emissions, which means electrification is creeping in, whether aficionados like or not.

KGM (formerly SsangYong) is one of the zero emissions pioneers with the launch of the new Musso EV.

Confusingly, it shares the Musso name with its diesel-powered sibling (the Musso Rhino), but this truck is based on the KGM Torres EVX SUV, so it’s closer to a car than a traditional ladder-framed 4×4 pick-up. As we shall see, it’s not without its compromises, but it will tick enough boxes for many drivers.

On the face of it, KGM is onto a winner with the Musso EV. Its only real all-electric rivals are the EV versions of the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux (both more expensive with lower ranges), and the disappointing Maxus T90 EV.

Priced from £39,995, including VAT and the £5,000 government Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG), the KGM represents big bang for your buck.

The all-wheel drive Musso EV gets an 80.6kWh battery and two electric motors, producing a combined 235bhp and 339Nm of torque. It’s no slouch either, getting from 0-62mph in eight seconds.

With a claimed range of up to 235 miles, it can be topped up from 20-80% in 36 minutes via a 120kW rapid charger.

First impressions are good. It looks smart, with chunky styling and an imposing front end that includes a distinctive full-width LED light bar.

Inside, it’s more spacious than your typical pick-up, with plenty of room for adults in the rear.

It’s a bit plusher than you’d expect too with lots of soft-touch materials and leather used, while the build quality is hard to fault, and it’s generously equipped.

Up front the Musso EV features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside a 12.3-inch driver’s display.

The infotainment system isn’t class leading, but it does the job. Just don’t expect top graphics and the fastest of responses. Unfortunately, it’s pretty minimalist, so essential functions, such as climate control) are accessed via the touchscreen (ie no physicals buttons and dials).

As with all new vehicles, the safety and driving assistance warnings and alerts are irritating. Thankfully they can be switched off fairly easily.

And just in case you’re wondering, regenerative braking can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles (my preferred choice) or the infotainment system.

On the road the KGM Musso EV drives more like a car than a pick-up truck, delivering a fairly swift, smooth, seamless and refined driving experience.

Sure, there’s a bit of wind noise at higher speeds and the steering is a little slow, but it rides well generally, absorbing bumps in the road nicely.

Additionally, it features four drive modes — Eco, Sport, Winter, and Smart.

The Musso EV is capable off-road too, but it can’t quite match the diesel Musso Rhino, which has a higher ground clearance, independent multi-link suspension and low/high range gearing.

Still, the EV’s all-wheel drive system distributes power automatically to whichever wheels have the most traction, and it has comparable approach and departure angles (up to 24.3 degrees). It also has a useful wading depth of 300mm.

So, it may not be a serious 4×4, but it’s not an embarrassment either.

Unfortunately, with a braked trailer towing capacity of up to 2300kg and a maximum payload of 690kg, the Musso EV falls short of the 3500kg and 1000kg maximums traditionally offered by pick-up trucks.

Conversely, now that double-cab pick-ups are subject to emissions-based Benefit-in-Kind costs, rather than a flat commercial vehicle rate, the zero emissions of the Musso EV mean it will offer significant savings over a regular diesel pick-up.

I can also think of a few cities with clean air zones where owners of a Musso EV will avoid paying a daily charge.

Plus, running costs should be lower if you can charge from home or work, where there are lower electricity tariffs.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a pick-up with a more refined, driver-friendly experience that’s kinder to the planet and cheaper to run, then the Musso EV is definitely worth considering.

Oh, and like all KGM vehicles, it comes with a generous seven-year/90,000-mile warranty (service intervals are 12 months/10,000 miles), so there is some peace of mind.

As for economy, I’d need to drive the Musso EV for a week to get a real feel for its efficiency, but I suspect its real-world range is closer to 200 miles.

Verdict: Comfortable, refined and competitively priced, the KGM Musso EV all-electric pick-up truck may suffer from a few compromises, but it it will make sense for those looking to cut their emissions and running costs.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog