Chery’s HIMLA EV vs. KGM’s Musso EV: Which Electric Pickup Offers More Value?

On March 1st, an intriguing post appeared on an automotive forum.

KG Mobility is ramping up its electrification partnerships with Chinese automakers BYD and Chery, sparking speculation about a potential mid-to-large electric pickup launch.

In April last year, KG Mobility inked a joint development agreement with Chery for a mid-to-large SUV, aiming to roll out the Rexton successor, SE-10, by year-end. The company also unveiled plans to leverage Chery’s platform for both conventional and eco-friendly vehicles.

The key takeaway here is the expansion into eco-friendly models. This aligns with Chery’s recent unveiling of the Himla EV, a mid-to-large electric pickup. Built on Chery’s pickup line, the Himla EV features a robust body-on-frame construction.

The Himla comes in two sizes: a standard model measuring 209.5 inches and a long model at 221.3 inches. Bed lengths are 60.2 and 71.3 inches, respectively. With a payload capacity of 2,204 pounds, it significantly outperforms the Musso’s 1,543-pound maximum.

Two powertrain options are available: a rear-wheel single motor delivering 204 horsepower, and an AWD dual motor setup producing 408 horsepower. Battery choices include 66.5 kWh and 88 kWh packs, offering ranges from 251 to 317 miles (CLTC). Beyond the EV, Himla also offers ICE variants with a 160-hp 2.4L gasoline engine and a 163-hp 2.3L turbo diesel.

The Himla EV’s pricing is its trump card. Starting at just 26.29 million KRW (19,717 USD) and topping out at 32.66 million KRW (24,495 USD), it undercuts the KGeneral Motors Musso EV’s 48 million KRW (36,000 USD) base price while still offering a premium interior.

These specs position the Himla as a strong contender to replace KGeneral Motors’ current Musso pickup (formerly Rexton Sports). While KGeneral Motors offers the Musso EV, its smaller size and monocoque structure limit payload to 1,102 pounds. Moreover, tightening electrification regulations necessitate an EV successor to the Musso pickup.

Domestic production of the Himla EV could be a game-changer for KGeneral Motors. It would give them a formidable weapon against the Kia Tasman, which has struggled to gain traction in the Korean market, offering superior value and performance. This move could also bolster KGeneral Motors’ position in bidding for next-gen military command vehicles.

Chery has made history as the first Chinese automaker to export over 5 million vehicles, maintaining its position as China’s top passenger car exporter for 22 consecutive years. Last November, the company hosted a media drive event in Chile’s Andes Mountains, signaling its aggressive push into the Latin American market.

[Source: Chery Automobile]

Chery is pursuing an ambitious global expansion strategy, including plans for a commercial vehicle R&D center in Liverpool, UK. The company has also inked a six-year deal with LG Energy Solution for 46-series cylindrical batteries, highlighting its growing ties with South Korean firms.

KG Mobility has confirmed it has no plans to sell shares to Chery Automobile. The company also stated it won’t revive production of a luxury car to succeed the Chairman. This marks a shift from 2015, when then-CEO Lee Yoo-il had proposed a high-end SUV based on the Chairman platform. Previously, Ssangyong had planned a successor to the Chairman W, but those plans were scrapped following Mahindra’s acquisition.