All-electric KGM Musso goes head-on with Maxus T90

The Chinese Maxus T90, the first all-electric pickup in Belgium, is getting stiff and rugged competition from South Korea. Neither Kia nor Hyundai is stepping up on an emission-free alternative for the utilitarian market, but KGM—formerly known as Ssangyong—adds a Musso with a traction battery to its range.

KGM builds upon a long tradition as a pickup builder and is now upping its pace with the launch of the Musso EV. This is South Korea’s first fully electric utilitarian vehicle, and it doesn’t fall short of making waves. But it’s not a replacement for the Rexton-based Musso with a diesel engine, which remains available.

Daily driver?

Introduced earlier this month, the Musso EV notched over 3,200 orders within its first two weeks. The Special Edition model sold out in just 90 minutes—an early sign of strong consumer appetite for a vehicle that blends pickup utility with SUV-like comfort.

But where Europe has been backing away from pickups on safety and environmental grounds, these vehicles are still strongly popular in Asia-Pacific.

Positioned as a practical mid-size lifestyle truck, the Musso EV shares its underpinnings with the Torres EVX SUV. It rides on the same platform but is outfitted with a double-cab layout and short cargo bed. 

The Musso EV is marketed as a daily driver for families and adventure seekers, focusing on interior tech and versatility. Its cabin features dual 12.3-inch displays for driver info and infotainment, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, and optional upgrades like a sunroof, 3D camera system, and premium audio.

LFP chemistry

The pickup is powered by an 80.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery sourced from BYD, offering up to 400 km (about 250 miles) of range on a single charge. Fast charging capabilities allow the battery to hit 80 percent in just 24 minutes, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality enables it to power tools or camping gear directly. 

Two drivetrain configurations will be available: a front-wheel drive model with 207 hp and an all-wheel drive variant that delivers up to 413 hp. The Musso EV can tow up to 1.8 tons, including a trailer sway control feature.

Although the vehicle is unavailable globally, KGM has confirmed plans to launch the Musso EV in multiple international markets later this year. The Musso EV will occupy a unique niche in Europe, where few electric pickups exist, especially in the mid-size, car-based category.