Hyundai Kona Electric Overview

With electric cars widening their market base to the global level, automakers are bringing the futuristic car in the Indian market too. Hyundai is among the top automobile companies presenting EV products with its Kona model. The Hyundai Kona Electric, introduced in 2019, is a long-range EV model. Obviously, being an EV raises additional concerns such as maintenance, operating expenses, charging speed, and the ability to serve as the family’s sole vehicle.

The Hyundai Kona marks the beginning of India’s foray into electric automobiles. While the Kona is not the first EV to be sold in India, the clean-mobility movement may herald its debut as a watershed moment. To accomplish so, it must give EVs credibility and persuade savvy Indians to go green. This fully electric subcompact SUV offers excellent value to your investment with fun driving. Like the standard gas-powered Kona, the Electric has a zippy feel through corners and rapid steering.

Furthermore, its electric motor makes it extremely fast – simply step on it and go. In terms of value, the Kona Electric is a more affordable way to go electric than many of the larger electric vehicles on the market. With a price range between Rs 23.4 lakh to 24.3 lakh, the 5-seater SUV has a modern engine and powerful torque to give you a smooth ride.

Hyundai Kona Electric Variants

Currently, there are two models with a single variant that is automatic. Both variants come with a modern interior and high-fuel mileage. Moreover, both variants carry some common features: Hyundai Kona Electric Premium is a 5-seater Electric (Battery) car. Kona Electric Premium has Multi-function Steering Wheel, Power Adjustable Exterior Rear View Mirror, Touch Screen, Alloy Wheels, Fog Lights – Rear, Power Windows Rear, and Power Windows Front.

Hyundai Kona Electric Premium

Available at the price of Rs 23.84 Lakh, this variant is available in 5 colours: Phantom Black, Polar White, Polar White with Phantom Black, Fiery Red with Phantom Black and Titan Grey with Phantom Black Roof. Other features include-

Powered by a 0-cc engine which is available with an Automatic transmission. The 0-cc engine puts out 134.10bhp of power and 395Nm of torque.

• 5-Seater, automatic climate control, Rear, Power Windows Front, and others. 
• Charging time- 6 hrs 10 min

Kona Premium Dual Tone

It is fully automatic transmission at the price range of Rs 24.03 lakhon. Also, the 0-cc engine puts out 134.10bhp of power and 395Nm of torque. Some other features include- Multi-function Steering Wheel, Power Adjustable Exterior Rear View Mirror, Touch Screen, Automatic Climate Control, Engine Start Stop Button, Anti-Lock Braking System, Alloy Wheels, and others.

Personalisation Options

Classic Design-

Both versions offer you the chance to personalise the overall design, having smooth and aerodynamic shapes added with body colour treatment. 

Signature Features-

Kona electric comes with a powerful engine giving high torque giving a signature feature to drive an enigmatic electric car.

Hyundai Kona Electric Exterior Design

The exterior of the Hyundai Kona Electric is quite an impressive one. The slinky sporty attitude provided by the swept-back windscreen, rolling roofline, and sharply designed flanks will catch the eye. The futuristic look gives many reasons to have it in your car parking. 

Exterior Colours

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in a myriad of exterior colour schemes. You will be fascinated to find out the difference between the exclusive colour schemes of this brand and the conventional colours chosen by the other brands. It comes in 5 different colours- Phantom Black, Polar White, Polar White with Phantom Black, Fiery Red with Phantom Black and Titan Grey with Phantom Black Roof. All these colours are eye-catching and will undoubtedly influence your decision to add this car to your lifestyle. The colour blends in nicely with the exterior style of the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Split LED DRL

In India, the split LED DRL and headlight combination has debuted on several vehicles, including the Hyundai Venue, and now with the Hyundai Kona electric, you get the same model. On the other hand, the sleek, sporty attitude provided by the swept back windscreen, rolling roofline, and sharply designed flanks will demand attention. You are not going to think of this as an SUV based on the 158mm (estimated) ground clearance.

It is 95mm shorter than the Creta yet 185mm longer than the Venue. The lengthy wheelbase of 2600mm allows for extra battery storage.

Appealing Interior Design

The cabin of the Kona Electric is like that of its gas-powered counterpart: it is composed of high-quality materials, is comfortable, and is packed with technology. Even by subcompact-crossover standards, the rear seat and cargo area are cramped, but because the Kona was intended from the start to handle a battery pack, there’s no less space inside the Electric than the conventional vehicle. The cargo area is quite like that of the standard Kona; you can store five carry-on baggage inside with the rear seats in place and a total of 15 with the seats folding.

Digital Display

The sharp 8″ AVN screen and the 7″ colour digital display for the driver and heads-up display increase the tech quotient here. The driver’s display is housed in a spherical bezel and can simulate a speedometer while also presenting other information. You can switch it to provide navigation instructions. You will also have a “combiner” type heads-up display, which provides the driver with information other than navigation instructions.

Touchscreen Infotainment and Connectivity

All versions include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display; base SE models have an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the SEL or Limited add a 10.3-inch display with navigation. The base SE and SEL models come with a six-speaker audio system, but the Limited variant has an eight-speaker Infinity audio system that gives crisp sound.

Supportive Seats

The comfortable seats are well-designed to give better ventilation to keep you cool no matter where you go. The Kona EV will be more than adequate as a feature-rich green option for a young family. However, as a full-fledged family SUV, this will fall short. Taller passengers will have enough headroom in the backseat, but knee room is quite limited. Also, the sensation of space seems a little constrained. Sitting three abreast will be a challenge here. The boot space is 332 litres, which is fewer than the Venue’s 350 litres. 

Power Steering

The vehicle has power steering. The D-shaped steering wheel gives easy to manage the vehicle’s direction. The steering wheel’s utility buttons are easier to reach and use. The steering wheel is the correct size for Indian requirements. It has a good grip and will keep your hand comfortable even after hours of driving.

Glove Box and Utility

Hyundai Kona electric has a spacious glove box compartment in the front the space of the driver. This box is spacious and can be used to store documents and other things.

Features of the Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai’s latest Kona EV car created a sense of excitement among car buyers for its features. It offers impressive engine specifications as well as interior and exterior amenities to enjoy. Aside from its sleek and small look, it is packed with features that modern automobile buyers require these days.

• Crisp 8″ screen for the AVN and the 7″ colour digital display 
• Split LED DRL and headlamp setup 
• An electric badge on the tailgate and the charging port
• Day & Night Rear View Mirror
• 6 airbags
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Parking sensors in the front and rear

Both electric car variants come with sophisticated parking assistants, as they contain both front and rear parking sensors. The Multi display system in front of the driver allows him to monitor the rearview camera and obtain a fair impression of the available parking space.

Vehicle Stability Management (VSC)

This vehicle’s models all include the most recent vehicle stability management (VSM) technology. It also has an electronic stability control (ESC) installed for easier adjustment of the vehicle’s stability in difficult situations.

Control for Hill-start Assist (HAC)

When the car’s clever system detects an increase in altitude, the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) function is instantly activated.

Lane Follow Assistance

The Lane Follow Assist feature is quite useful. It should not be confused with Lane Keep Assist, which prevents a vehicle from drifting into another lane. This updated Advanced Driver Assistance System retains the automobile in its current lane. The Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go was a standout among the various ADAS capabilities, especially for commuting! Smarter collision avoidance and mitigation systems can now detect bikes, as well as blind spot and rear collision warning systems.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The engine of the Kona electric from Hyundai offers a good sense of efficiency under the top segment of the hatchback. It is no less than a beast on a leash to regulate the roads. When unleashed, the engine and other hardware of this car will undoubtedly make your adrenaline rush.

Engine

The Kona Electric has an electric performance hatchback than a crossover SUV. It accelerates quickly, comfortably merges onto freeways, and easily handles steep hills. The top-tier Kona EV with the larger 64kWh battery pack has a top speed of 167kmph, just 13kmph faster than the 39Kwh variant. To be clear, the 39kWh option produces 136PS of power and 395Nm of torque. The 64kWh version, on the other hand, packs 204PS and 395Nm of torque. A 0-100kph time of 7.6 seconds, as opposed to 9.7 seconds, solidifies the pecking order.

Transmission

It has a 1-speed direct drive with automatic transmission. On a full charge, the car can run for 6 hours straight.

Driving Modes

The Drive Mode slider offers a choice of three different settings to suit your own tastes. Drive Mode automatically alters Kona’s gear shift sequence to make him frugal, quick, or just plain normal.

• Eco Mode- While the 2017 Kona’s gas mileage is already remarkable, driving in Eco Mode in electric will save you money at the pump.
• Sport Mode- It is designed for those occasions when you just want to let it all hang out. Kona responds with exuberant enthusiasm when Sports Mode is activated, the tempo quickens, and the fun begins.
• Traction Control Mode -TCM intervenes when driving conditions deteriorate to provide adequate traction. TCM, which is available on both 2WD and 4WD vehicles, automatically selects the appropriate gear and manages engine torque.

Horsepower and Torque

Both models use the same engine, which consists of a single 150-kW electric motor positioned on the front axle and driven by a 64-kWh battery pack. That equates to an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge. The overall torque of the Hyundai Kona Electric is 395Nm.

High-Power Charging

The Kona has a 7.2-kW onboard charger that can charge an empty battery in around 9.5 hours using a normal 240-volt wall unit. It also boasts a reported DC fast-charging capability of up to 100 kW, yet in our tests, and it never exceeded 75 kW. There are three charging options. The basic is the portable charging option allowing you to charge for a normal 15-amp with a three-phase connection. Fully charging the 39kWh battery with this will take a whopping 19 hours.

Good Things and Bad Things about Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric is a coming-of-age car which is designed to give you a perfect driving experience. When it comes time to decide, we must weigh the pros and drawbacks. We may then appreciate the design and characteristics presented in this model and make an informed decision. Let us take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of this vehicle.

Pros

• Very efficient and refined powertrain
• Conventional connectivity, quicker charging
• Long Driving Hours with a full charge
• Exclusive surround speaker system for a remarkable audio experience
• Ground clearance is ideal
• Complete Safety Features

Cons

• Too cramped, stiff ride
• The cabin is noisier than expected
• Button-operated gearshift 

Hyundai Electric Kona Competitors

Electric vehicles have long been heralded as the next big step in the evolution of the automobile, but India has lagged in both their acceptance and the creation of the infrastructure to support them. While infrastructure difficulties continue, India is finally seeing models that could be considered viable alternatives to traditional combustion engine engines. The Hyundai Kona Electric is setting up the base, but the MG eZS and Nissan Leaf – the world’s best-selling EVs – are still on the market.

When we talk about competitors, there are different departments that need to be checked upon. Let’s start with the dimensions. The Hyundai Kona is marketed as “India’s first electric SUV,” although the EV is more of a high-riding crossover than a robust SUV. The MG eZS, on the other hand, with its more upright appearance, fits the bill as an SUV more convincingly. Make whatever you want of its look, but the Leaf hatchback is the longest model here, as well as the one with the longest wheelbase. The MG eZS is broader than the other two, but it is the tallest – a useful benefit in a country where high-riding vehicles are preferred.

The battery packs in all three variants are hidden beneath the floor. However, the battery packs add weight to all the vehicles. The Kona Electric is, just barely, the lightest car here. 

When it comes to the battery segment, despite having the smallest battery pack (39.2kWh), the Kona Electric manages to eke out a respectable 289km range (the maximum among the three contenders) on the international WLTP driving cycle. The more forgiving Indian test cycle increases the same statistic to a whopping 452km. The eZS and Leaf both have respectable ranges, with WLTP numbers of 262km and 270km, respectively.

Talking about the price, Hyundai Kona Electric is giving tough competition to other EV competitors. Hyundai has chosen to import the Kona Electric via CKD, sourcing components locally. Furthermore, a recent cut in GST rates from 12% to 5% has allowed the Korean automaker to reduce pricing by Rs 1.59 lakh. However, at Rs 23.71 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), the EV is still priced significantly higher than comparable-sized, conventionally powered SUVs.

MG has indicated that it will follow a strategy like that of the Korean automaker, which should allow it to put the eZS in a similar pricing range. On the other hand, the Nissan Leaf is projected to be a pure import.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric’s lowest trim includes several modern technologies. This includes a six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, and a steering wheel covered in leather. Both the Bolt EV and Leaf do not receive standard heated front seats or a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Niro EV does without standard heated front seats. Furthermore, the Leaf’s base audio system only features four speakers. The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is also big, with 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. While the Bolt EV’s cargo volume is not specified, the Leaf only has 30 cu. ft., and while the Niro EV outperforms the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric in this category, it falls short in others.

If we talk about the battery, Hyundai’s Kona electric stands ahead of Chevy’s and Nissan’s. Kona comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile electric battery guarantee. Both the Bolt EV and the Leaf come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. The battery warranty for the Bolt EV is two years shorter than that on the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric, and the Leaf’s battery is only covered for 5 years/60,000 miles. The Niro EV is the only other model in this comparison that provides the same basic warranty terms as the 2020 Hyundai Kona EV – however, Hyundai includes a longer anti-perforation guarantee, at 7 years/unlimited miles versus Kia’s 5 years/100,000 miles.

Image Source: “www.hyundai.com/in/en/”