KGM has been producing pickups for eons and earlier this year it launched its latest diesel-powered model.

Perhaps of more interest in these times of rising fuel costs is their fully electric version. I had a quick drive in one just over a year ago and came away impressed. However, an extended time with any vehicle is really needed for a full assessment.

And so it came to pass that a prime example of the Musso EV has graced my driveway for this past week, and what a busy one it has been too.

First a few facts:
• KGM Musso EV
• Price £39,995 (inc. VAT)
• Price also inc of £5,000 PIVG
• 80.6 kWh battery
• 237PS & 339Nm
• WLTP range 236 miles
• Towing capacity 2,300kg

The Musso EV is based on the Torres EVX passenger car, and out on the road, it really shows. The unladen ride is impressive, with even poor surfaces expertly dealt with.

Travelling at motorway speeds, it is whisper quiet, and stability in crosswinds is excellent.

The load bed is on the smaller side, and the payload is just 500kg, which will be a limiting factor for some businesses. There is a standard-fit self-levelling suspension which will keep things on an even keel, and the towing capacity is an impressive 2,300kg. So, what will not go in the back may well be accommodated in a trailer.

Fellow journalist Damian from The Mud Life Magazine had organised to have a Musso Rhino the same week and we had arranged to have a day comparing the two trucks on and off road. His pickup of course had KGM’s familiar 2.2-litre diesel engine and selectable four-wheel drive. How would we get on?

Being hungry journalists, we began the day with lunch at one of my favourite Dales’ pubs, the Buck Inn in Buckden. Suitably fortified with our usual fish butty and a pint, we set off into the wild blue yonder. Well, in fact, it was a track from near Cray over the moors towards Semerwater.

I’ve driven this track many a time, and I felt confident the Musso EV would cope well, even though it has around 65mm less ground clearance than the Rhino. I set off cautiously, keen to see whether this would be a problem, and mostly it was fine. There were a few sections which I slowed down for, taking a different line so as not to ground out the underside.

Traction was improved by switching to ‘Winter’ mode, which smooths and limits the immediate torque output from the electric motors to prevent wheelspin and loss of traction. Later in the day, I didn’t bother changing the mode, and still the truck ploughed on regardless. Unstoppable, and on road-orientated Kumho tyres too.

We parked at the lakeside, our usual photo stop, and sporting our newly acquired Northern Group of Motoring Writers’ ties, we snapped away, Damian with his impressive camera, me with my trusty iPhone.

We had intended to spend the rest of the afternoon off-road, but with the weather closing in, we finished with a trip along Cam High Road. Sadly, we were unable to enjoy the views, as low clouds and intermittent heavy rain spoilt the proceedings.

Once again, I drove more cautiously than my Rhino driving companion, but there were no ominous scraping sounds even on the trickier sections.

The return journey to home took about 40 minutes, and I set off with Damian in hot pursuit. The roads by now were wet and greasy, but the Musso EV made light work of it all.

Excellent traction, instant power from the motor and knowledge of the twisting lanes meant I was soon far ahead. To be fair, the Rhino had more hardcore tyres and was being driven in two-wheel drive. I had to stop to let the laggard catch up – twice!

At no time in the afternoon did I want to swap places with Damian. My cabin was hushed, the heated seat warm, the music gentle and the ride cosseting. And when it came to traction and capabilities away from terra firma, the Musso EV was not found wanting. I accept that some users may need a bigger payload, but if that is not the case, I would suggest the EV is the way forward.

Furthermore, on a hasty trip to Northumberland and back, I can confirm that the WLTP range of 236 miles is not that wide of the mark. I would suggest around 210/215 miles on a wide mix of roads, including plenty of time on the A1 at motorway speeds. A couple of speedy Gridserve charges at Washington and Scotch Corner Services were required, but by the time I had been to the toilet, bought a coffee and checked a few emails, I was on my way again. And said services were offering diesel at £2.20 a litre, so electric for the win!