Gridly
Overview
KGM Automotive - formerly SsangYong, rebranded following the Korean manufacturer’s corporate restructuring - brings the Musso EV to Australia as one of the country’s few electric dual-cab utes. For work vehicle buyers who accumulate high kilometres in urban and suburban environments and want to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, an electric ute addresses both the utility requirements and the operating cost objective.
The FWD Musso EV is the entry configuration, powered by a single front electric motor drawing from an 80.6kWh battery. The 420km of WLTP range is the best figure in the Musso EV range - FWD’s lower system mass and simpler drivetrain allow maximum range extraction from the battery. At $60,000, it sits at the base of the Musso EV pricing but still at a premium that requires the fuel savings calculation to make sense.
V2L capability at 3.6kW is a distinguishing feature: the ability to power 240V tools from the ute’s battery is a genuine work utility advantage that PHEV ute competitors generally don’t offer. It positions the Musso EV as a potential generator replacement for site power - reducing operational costs beyond just fuel.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Drive | WLTP Range | Towing | V2L | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KGM Musso EV FWD | FWD | 420km | 2,000kg | Yes | $60,000 |
| KGM Musso EV AWD | AWD | 380km | 2,000kg | Yes | $65,000 |
| GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV | AWD PHEV | 80km EV | 3,000kg | No | $57,490 |
The FWD Musso EV undercuts the AWD by $5,000 and delivers 40km more WLTP range. For buyers whose ute use is predominantly on-road and doesn’t involve heavy towing or loose terrain, the FWD variant’s range advantage is real.
Performance
The single front motor produces adequate performance for a dual-cab ute. The 0–100 km/h time of approximately 9.0 seconds is unhurried but reflects the ute’s mass. Top speed is 160 km/h. From rest in urban conditions, the electric motor’s instant torque provides responsive acceleration that is more engaging than a diesel ute at similar speeds.
FWD traction is adequate for on-road and light off-road conditions but becomes limiting on steep loose terrain under load. For buyers who stay on formed roads and use the ute primarily for suburban and urban work, FWD is functionally adequate. For those who venture onto unsealed sites, the AWD variant is the appropriate choice.
Range and Charging
The 80.6kWh battery delivers 420km of WLTP range in FWD specification - the longer figure in the Musso EV range. Real-world urban and suburban driving will return approximately 340–380km; highway driving at 110 km/h reduces this to approximately 300–340km. This is adequate for metropolitan work patterns but requires planning for regional day trips.
DC fast charging at up to 80kW charges the battery from 10–80% in approximately 60 minutes. This is slower than most passenger EVs and the key logistical consideration for operators who need rapid turnaround between jobs in different locations. AC home charging at 7.2kW takes approximately 12 hours for a full charge, making overnight home charging the practical baseline.
Interior and Technology
The Musso EV dual-cab interior is functional and suitable for both work and personal use. A 10-inch central touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls handle climate, tray functions, and driving mode selection. Heated front seats, a digital instrument cluster, and leather-accented trim make the cabin presentable.
The V2L outlet is accessible via the charging port or a dedicated socket, enabling 240V output for site tools, camping appliances, or emergency household power. A 12V socket in the tray is also available for accessory use.
Practicality
Dual-cab configuration seats five with adult-functional rear space. The cargo tray is full-size for the class and accepts standard ute canopies. Payload is approximately 750kg. The tow bar accommodates the 2,000kg braked towing rating - adequate for light trailers, jet skis, and small camper trailers.
V2L at 3.6kW is the standout practical feature. Tradespersons who currently carry a generator for site power can potentially eliminate it - the Musso EV’s battery provides sufficient power for lighting, battery chargers, and moderate power tools.
Safety
The Musso EV FWD carries KGM’s active safety package: autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reversing camera. Refer to ANCAP Australia for current crash test results on the Musso EV generation.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (80.6 ÷ 420) × 100 × $0.30 = approximately $5.76/100km. Against a diesel ute at 9–11L/100km and $2.10/L ($18.90–$23.10/100km), the EV running cost advantage is significant across high annual kilometres.
KGM warranty: 5 years on the vehicle. Battery warranty terms should be confirmed with KGM Australia. The Korean manufacturer’s Australian service infrastructure from the SsangYong era remains partly intact; parts supply is generally available, though some regional service points have changed. Verify service centre locations before purchase.
Verdict
The KGM Musso EV FWD serves a specific and genuine buyer: the urban or suburban tradie who accumulates 30,000–50,000km per year within city and suburban limits, charges at home overnight, and needs a dual-cab ute body for tools and occasional light towing. The 420km range is more than adequate for this use case; the V2L capability adds genuine site power utility; and the running cost reduction versus diesel is material at those distances.
The FWD limitation is real and important: ute buyers who regularly tow, work on unsealed sites, or need load-bearing traction in wet or muddy conditions should choose the AWD variant or evaluate a PHEV ute with greater towing rating. The $60,000 base price is high for a brand re-establishing itself, but the economics work for high-km operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the KGM Musso EV FWD have front-wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive is the entry drivetrain for the Musso EV range, where the motor’s placement at the front axle powers the front wheels. This is appropriate for on-road and light off-road use but is less capable than AWD for heavy towing or rough terrain. The AWD variant adds a rear motor for $5,000 more. For buyers who stay on formed roads and don’t tow heavy loads, FWD delivers the maximum range (420km) at the lower price.
Can the KGM Musso EV FWD power tools from its battery?
Yes. The Musso EV FWD includes V2L (vehicle-to-load) at 3.6kW, which provides 240V AC output for powering tools, appliances, or emergency household equipment. This is accessible through the charging port with the supplied adaptor. It is a genuine work utility feature that sets the Musso EV apart from PHEV utes that lack power export capability.
How does the KGM Musso EV compare to the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV?
The Musso EV FWD ($60,000) is a pure BEV with 420km range and V2L. The Cannon Alpha PHEV ($57,490) is a plug-in hybrid with 80km EV range, AWD, a higher 3,000kg tow rating, and no V2L. The Musso EV suits high-km urban operators focused on running costs; the Cannon Alpha suits buyers who prioritise towing capacity and don’t want to depend on charging infrastructure.
