On sale since the summer of 2018, the Hyundai Kona electric is the Korean brand’s first electric SUV. In early 2021, it features a revamped design, cutting-edge technology, and offers up to 484 kilometers of range on a single charge. Electric driving has never been easier!
The Hyundai Kona electric has been completely redesigned with an even bolder design. Its slimmer lines give it a strong look and a unique personality in the compact SUV category. Although the Hyundai Kona electric has the same lines as the Kona thermal, the aesthetic changes are minor.
On the outside, we find an attractive SUV. Its closed front grille has been fitted with new LED lights and more tapered daytime running lights. The latter wrap around the sides of the vehicle. The 17-inch alloy wheels are specific, offering an assertive design and promote aerodynamics.
To make your vehicle look like you, you can choose from 7 colors, including four new ones. All you have to do is combine the silhouette of your Hyundai Kona electric with your style!
Inside, the new version stands out thanks to the dashboard combining 10.25-inch digital meters and a central 10.25-inch touch screen. The cockpit is high-tech, readable and ergonomic.
Depending on the trim level, the interior of the all-electric Korean SUV is available in full black, with cloth or leather seats. Or in two-tone black and light gray, with leather seats.
This 5-seater model is 4,205 mm long (+ 4 cm with the restyling), 1,800 mm wide, and 1,565 mm high. The trunk has a double bottom for storing charging cables and offers 332 liters of storage space, and up to 1,114 liters when the rear seat is folded down. With these dimensions, its main competitor on the market is the electric Kia Niro.
Where is the new Hyundai Kona electric manufactured ?
Initially produced in South Korea, the electric Kona is assembled, for the European market, in the Czech Republic since spring 2020. The Nosovice and Mošnov factories are impressive. They produce the vehicle, but also its batteries.
Powertrain and performance of the Hyundai Kona electric
To deliver excellent driving performance, the electric motor components are carefully assembled and designed. Hyundai combines electric power with driving pleasure in two versions:
Long-distance version: this is the more powerful of the two. Its 150 kW (204 horsepower) engine, which drives the front wheels, is capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Standard” version: this version is a duo with an electric motor with 135 horsepower. The latter is capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds.
For both versions, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers 395 Nm of torque. The maximum top speed (tested on circuit) is 167 km/h for the first version, against 155 km/h for the second.
Battery and autonomy
The specially designed platform perfectly integrates the high-performance 64 kWh and 39.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries without sacrificing habitability.
Unlike conventional batteries, they offer reduced sensitivity to memory effect and excellent charging efficiency. The battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.
The 204 hp engine uses a 64 kWh battery pack that gives a combined WLTP range of 484 km. As for the second engine of 135 hp, it offers a 39.2 kWh battery. This one reaches 305 km of autonomy. Just a reminder, depending on the road conditions, your driving style and the outside temperature, the autonomy can vary.
How to charge the Hyundai Kona electric SUV ?
For easy charging, Hyundai’s small SUV offers a variety of charging solutions and connector types, depending on your home network or fast charging station.
Fast charging: At a 100 kW DC fast charging station, the 64 kWh lithium-ion battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 47 minutes. And in 64 minutes when plugged into a 50 kW station.
Normal charging: on a domestic wall socket or public AC terminal and with the 11 kW three-phase on-board charger, the battery is charged from 10 to 100% in 6.5 hours. The charging time with the 7.2 kW single-phase on-board charger is 9.15 hours.
Hyundai Kona electric: check out the trim levels
In France, the electric Kona comes in four different finishes: Intuitive, Creative, and Executive, including one reserved for professionals: Business. All you have to do is choose the finish with the equipment that best suits you.
Intuitive
Electric parking brake
Automatic air conditioning
10.25 inch digital meters
Rear view camera
etc.
Creative
Bi-LED front lights
Head-up display
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Krell premium audio system
etc.
Executive
Adaptive cruise control
Front parking assistance
10.25″ Navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible, with BlueLink and Hyundai Liv connected services
Automatic headlight activation
etc.
Business
Power folding mirrors
Heated front seats
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Hands-free access and keyless start
etc.
Price of the Hyundai Kona electric
Equipped with the 39 kWh battery, the restyled version of the electric Kona starts at €36,400, excluding the ecological bonus. With the large 64 kWh battery, the price starts at €41,200.
Finishes
Hyundai Kona 39 kWh
Hyundai Kona 64 kWh
Intuitive
36 400 €
41 200 €
Business (pro)
38 400 €
43 200 €
Creative
39 600 €
44 400 €
Executive
42 100 €
46 900 €
On the Kona electric, you will find the “Intuitive Plus Pack” at 350 €. It includes rear parking assistance, electrically folding mirrors, a USB port in the rear, as well as tinted rear windows.
What is the best electric car ?
The Tesla Model 3 remains the top electric car in 2021 with 15.37% market share. This premium family sedan is designed to offer excellent electric performance. It boasts fast acceleration, long range and ultra-fast charging. It is closely followed by the Renault Zoé and the Peugeot E-208.
Our opinion
The Hyundai Kona Electric has been given a solid facelift, inside and out. A compact electric vehicle for the city, but comfortable enough for the whole family. The steering is smooth, the braking easy to control, which is not always obvious on an electric car. The behavior at regulatory speeds is very healthy. This SUV can be ideal!
