KGM Musso EV ute moves closer with Euro launch

The KGM Musso EV electric pickup has moved closer to potential New Zealand availability after confirming right-hand drive production for the UK market, with early road tests showing promise as a lifestyle-focused alternative to traditional work utes.

UK automotive journalists have given the Korean brand’s electric ute positive reviews following early testing, with Auto Express describing it as “the most convincing electric pick-up to date” despite payload limitations.

The Musso EV is built on the same platform as KGM’s Torres EVX SUV rather than a traditional body-on-frame chassis, positioning it as what KGM calls a “mid-size pick-up for urban drivers.”

Lifestyle focus over heavy-duty capability

Auto Express reviewer Richard Ingram says the vehicle transforms into “a quiet, comfortable and relatively sprightly truck” once intrusive driver assistance features are disabled. The dual electric motors deliver 339Nm of instant torque, achieving 0–62mph in eight seconds.

However, the SUV-based platform limits payload to 690kg – roughly half that of traditional utes like the Ford Ranger. Towing capacity is rated at 1800kg.

“If not for its mediocre payload, the KGM Musso EV is the most convincing electric pick-up to date,” Ingram says.

The trade-off delivers SUV-like ride comfort through multi-link rear suspension rather than the leaf springs found on conventional pickups.

The closest competitor would be the Geely Riddara RD6, which has a smaller battery and range but carries 1030kg and tows 3000kg.

Car-based smaller utes are becoming increasingly popular overseas, with models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz selling well in the US market.

Strong technical specifications

The Musso EV uses an 80.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery from BYD, delivering WLTP range between 235 miles for all-wheel drive variants and up to 290 miles for front-wheel drive models.

Charging capability reaches 120kW for DC fast charging, with 10–80% charging completed in approximately 36 minutes. The vehicle includes vehicle-to-load capability for powering external devices.

Interior equipment matches SUV standards with twin 12.3-inch displays, heated and ventilated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and advanced driver assistance features.

Market positioning and potential NZ arrival

Select Car Leasing editor Neil Goodwin describes the Musso EV as targeting people “who love the look of a pick-up but have zero need to haul bags of cement to the work site.”

KGM has brought prototype models to the UK to gauge market interest, with no concrete launch plans yet confirmed. However, the development of right-hand drive variants suggests broader market availability is under consideration.

The vehicle’s focus on lifestyle applications rather than commercial capability could appeal to New Zealand buyers seeking electric ute aesthetics with SUV refinement, particularly given the confirmed right-hand drive production makes local availability technically feasible.

While no New Zealand launch timeline has been announced, the UK market testing and right-hand drive confirmation suggests KGM is evaluating broader English-speaking markets for the electric pickup.