KG Mobility, formerly recognized as SsangYong, has officially introduced the Musso EV, a compact electric pickup truck, in its native Korean market, signaling the commencement of its global expansion strategy. This debut marks the inception of the Musso sub-brand, which is set to encompass both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powered trucks. Notably, the Musso EV holds the distinction of being the first fully electric pickup truck produced by a Korean automotive manufacturer.
The Musso EV’s design draws inspiration from the Torres EVX SUV, but distinguishes itself with an elongated body, an exposed cargo bed, and a robust aesthetic tailored for pickup truck functionality. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels and a practical utility roof rack, while a rear canopy is offered as an optional enhancement. Customers are also presented with a range of customization options, including a sunroof, skid plate, cargo divider, sliding bed, and roll bar, allowing them to personalize the vehicle to meet their specific requirements.
Although interior imagery has yet to be released, the dashboard layout is expected to closely mirror that of the Torres EVX, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. The vehicle's equipment highlights include an Alpine audio system, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and a 3D around-view monitoring system, enhancing both comfort and safety.
Constructed on a stretched iteration of the Torres EVX’s unibody chassis, the Musso EV is propelled by a single electric motor generating 204 horsepower. Power is delivered to the front wheels as the standard configuration, with an all-wheel-drive option available for enhanced traction.
Powering the Musso EV is an 80.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery pack, supplied by the Chinese automotive giant BYD. KG Mobility asserts that the two-wheel-drive variant can achieve a range of up to 401 kilometers on a single charge. While details regarding other powertrain options remain undisclosed, the company has confirmed that ICE-powered versions of the Musso will be incorporated into the lineup in the near future.
The KGM Musso EV is currently available for pre-order in Korea, preceding its market launch in other regions, including Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In its domestic market, the pickup truck is priced starting at $33,500. However, with the application of local electric vehicle subsidies, the effective price for small business owners can be reduced to as low as $23,000. This pricing strategy positions the Musso EV as a direct competitor to the ICE-powered KGM Rexton Sports pickup, which currently starts at $20,600 following a recent discount.
KG Mobility emphasizes the Musso EV’s potential for significant cost savings, attributed to its low usage and maintenance expenses. Specifically, the estimated cost of operating the Musso EV for a five-year period is approximately $4,000, representing a substantial savings of $9,700 compared to its ICE-powered counterpart. This economic advantage, coupled with the vehicle’s environmental benefits, is expected to resonate strongly with consumers.