While some people still think electric vehicles are just fancy golf carts for inner city commuters, the actual heavy lifting is starting to happen in the commercial world. We are moving past the phase of early adopters and entering a time where the national economy runs on batteries. If we want to hit those ambitious net zero targets, we cannot rely on small hatchbacks to do the job. The real change happens when the workhorses of the Australian landscape ditch the diesel for something more efficient.
The shift is about more than just being green. It is about local energy independence and stopping the reliance on expensive foreign fuel. Between the new efficiency standards penalising high emission fleets and the tax breaks available through novated leases, the momentum is impossible to ignore. KGM, formerly known as SsangYong Mobility Corporation, has rebranded and they are kicking off the new year with the introduction of their Musso EV.
A reestablished and reliable ute that built for the electric market. This is WhipSmart’s review of the KGM Musso EV.
Drivability
Forget the agricultural feel of your old diesel ute. The Musso EV is built on a chassis more commonly found in comfortable SUVs, which means it handles the road with a level of grace that traditional utes can only dream of. You do not get that annoying bounce when the tray is empty. Instead, it stays planted and smooth.
You have the option of a front wheel drive setup or a dual motor all wheel drive version that packs a serious 152kW punch. The lack of engine noise is a revelation, making long hauls across the state feel significantly less exhausting. It might only tow 1800kg, but for the vast majority of daily tasks and weekend trips, it provides a level of refinement that makes the old internal combustion engines feel like relics.
Interior Design
KGM clearly decided that construction workers deserve nice things too. The interior is a massive step up from the utilitarian plastic tubs we are used to seeing in this segment. You are treated to a pair of sharp 12.3 inch screens that handle everything from your tunes to your maps. It feels modern and thoughtful rather than just being a place to throw your lunch.
The cabin features heated and ventilated seats which are a godsend in the Australian climate. However, the real party trick is the vehicle to load capability. This feature allows you to plug your tools or appliances directly into the car battery. Whether you are running a circular saw on a job site or a coffee machine at a campsite, the Musso EV acts as a giant mobile power bank.
Safety
Safety should never be an afterthought for a vehicle that spends its life on the road. This model comes with eight airbags and a suite of digital assistants designed to keep you out of trouble. The autonomous braking and lane keeping systems act as a second set of eyes, which is helpful when you are navigating a long day of deliveries or site visits.
Parking a large ute can be a nightmare, but the 3D camera system makes it feel like child’s play by giving you a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. It also features clever self levelling rear suspension. This ensures that even if you have a heavy load in the back, the vehicle stays balanced and the steering remains predictable. It is a smart, safe, and silent approach to the modern worksite.
Our Conclusion
The 2026 KGM Musso EV is a serious reality check for anyone claiming electric utes are a pipe dream. By landing with a WhipSmart novated lease price of $151 per week (based on a 100k salary), it has effectively sliced the entry price for a full EV dual cab by tens of thousands. While it may not be the choice for those needing to tow a three ton caravan across the Nullarbor, it is a perfect fit for the hundreds of thousands of urban trades and delivery fleets that keep our cities moving.
KGM is backing this move with a car that sets you up for any vehicular activity. When you factor in the massive savings on fuel and the FBT exemptions available through a WhipSmart lease, the question shifts from why you would buy one to why you would keep paying for diesel. The commercial electric age is here and it is remarkably quiet.
