2025 KGM Musso EV: Affordable Electric Pickup Under $50K

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2025 KGM Musso EV: Affordable Electric Pickup Aiming at Mainstream Buyers

The 2025 KGM Musso EV enters Europe as one of the first fully electric pickups designed for everyday use. Unlike high-priced American trucks, the Musso EV focuses on affordability, practicality, and a broad customer base. With a starting price of about $45,000 USD, KGM positions this truck as both a workhorse and a family vehicle.

This report reviews the Musso EV’s specifications, performance, safety, and market potential. It also compares the truck against competitors in the United States and China to determine whether KGM has found the right formula for the electric pickup market.

Design and Build

The 2025 KGM Musso EV measures 5,160 mm in length, nearly identical to popular mid-size trucks such as the Toyota Hilux. The design features a wide bumper, LED headlights, and a large grille-style fascia, keeping a traditional truck identity.

Key exterior specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 3,150 mm
  • Width: 1,920 mm
  • Height: 1,750 mm (with roof rails)
  • Ground clearance: 181 mm
  • Load volume: 907 liters

At the rear, a multifunction tailgate and robust bed design reinforce its role as a utility-first pickup. The bed supports payloads above 900 liters and towing of up to 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs).

Battery and Range

The Musso EV carries an 81 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. Depending on drivetrain, it delivers the following WLTP ranges:

  • 2WD models: up to 420 km (260 miles) combined, 546 km (339 miles) in city driving.
  • 4WD models: up to 379 km (235 miles) combined, 466 km (289 miles) in city driving.

Charging performance:

  • AC charging (11 kW): 0–100% in about 10 hours.
  • DC fast charging (up to 120 kW): 10–80% in 36–46 minutes.

The Musso EV also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, enabling tools, appliances, or camping equipment to run directly from the truck’s battery.

Performance

The Musso EV uses a single motor producing 207 horsepower and 339 Nm torque. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 8.0–9.2 seconds depending on configuration.

Top speeds:

  • 162 km/h (100 mph) for 2WD
  • 177 km/h (110 mph) for 4WD

While not aimed at performance, the Musso EV provides enough power and torque for daily driving and light-duty work.

Interior and Technology

The Musso EV balances comfort with utility inside. A 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard.

Available features include:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Inductive smartphone charging
  • 360-degree camera system on higher trims

Material quality varies by trim, ranging from durable fabric in entry models to full leather in premium editions.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The Musso EV comes in four trims: Bronze, Platinum, Titanium, and Blackline.

Approximate consumer prices (converted to USD):

  • Bronze 2WD: $47,000
  • Platinum 2WD: $51,000
  • Titanium 2WD: $52,800
  • Blackline 2WD: $53,900
  • Bronze 4WD: $52,000
  • Platinum 4WD: $55,000
  • Titanium 4WD: $56,600
  • Blackline 4WD: $57,300

Options:

  • Metallic paint: $900
  • Leather interior upgrades: $325
  • Heat pump (only on Bronze): $1,100

Safety

Every Musso EV version includes a strong set of driver-assistance systems:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Blind Spot Detection (except base trim)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Hill Descent Control
  • Front, side, curtain, and knee airbags

This makes the Musso EV competitive in the safety-focused European market.

Warranty and Support

KGM offers one of the strongest warranty packages in the industry:

  • 10 years / 1,000,000 km battery warranty
  • 7 years / 150,000 km vehicle warranty
  • 6 years corrosion warranty
  • 2 years paint warranty

This aggressive package addresses concerns about EV battery durability and supports long-term ownership.

Market Position

The European electric pickup market remains limited, giving the Musso EV a unique position. With a price under $50,000, it is among the most affordable options available.

Comparisons:

  • Rivian R1T: Over $70,000, more powerful but far more expensive.
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Above $60,000, positioned as a larger full-size pickup.
  • BYD Shark EV: Expected in a similar range, but not yet widely available in Europe.
  • Great Wall Cannon EV: On sale in China, priced around $41,000, but not yet confirmed for Europe.

The Musso EV is aimed at contractors, municipal fleets, and families who want a capable electric truck without premium costs.

Strengths

  • Lower entry price than rivals
  • Long battery warranty
  • V2L functionality adds versatility
  • Serves dual roles as a work truck and family vehicle

Weaknesses

  • Lower range than leading EVs
  • Charging speed capped at 120 kW
  • Cabin quality inconsistent by trim
  • KGM’s brand recognition in Europe still limited

Fleet Applications

The Musso EV’s pricing and specifications make it appealing for fleet operators. Municipalities may adopt it for maintenance crews and utility services, while contractors can use the V2L system to power tools on-site.

Advantages for fleet use:

  • Lower purchase cost than rivals
  • Strong warranty reduces long-term risk
  • Payload and towing capacity fit for daily jobs
  • AC and DC charging flexibility supports depot and public charging

These factors may help KGM establish itself in a segment where operating cost efficiency is a top priority.

Competitor Analysis: U.S. and Chinese Rivals

The Musso EV enters a fragmented segment where pricing and practicality matter more than raw performance.

Against U.S. Rivals

  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Larger, with up to 563 hp, but significantly more expensive. Focused on American full-size truck buyers, less suited for Europe.
  • Rivian R1T: High-performance pickup with luxury features, but with a $70,000+ price, it appeals to adventure buyers, not cost-sensitive fleets.

Against Chinese Rivals

  • BYD Shark EV: Expected to offer more advanced battery technology with higher range, but pricing will likely match or exceed Musso EV. Not yet confirmed for Europe.
  • Great Wall Cannon EV: Similar in size and price to Musso EV. Targets utility markets in China. If exported, it could directly compete on cost.

KGM’s opportunity lies in entering Europe before these Chinese models arrive, positioning the Musso EV as the default affordable electric pickup.

Outlook

KGM, formerly SsangYong, uses the Musso EV as its flagship under a new identity. The truck is aimed at winning trust among fleet operators and private buyers.

Early reviews highlight that the Musso EV drives better than expected, offering solid ride comfort and handling refinement. The key challenge will be convincing buyers to choose a lesser-known brand over established players.

If marketed aggressively and supported with fleet incentives, the Musso EV could build a loyal base in Europe. For individuals, the mix of pricing, practicality, and warranty coverage makes it one of the few attainable electric pickups today.

Final Takeaway

The 2025 KGM Musso EV offers a clear value proposition: an electric pickup priced under $50,000. It prioritizes affordability, durability, and usability over performance excess.

For European buyers who need a practical electric truck with a strong warranty and everyday capability, the Musso EV stands out as a compelling option in a small but growing segment.

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