turbocarclub.com – Since its 2018 introduction, the Hyundai Kona Electric has been a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. During a period when premium electric vehicle (EV) models such as the Tesla Model S and Jaguar I-Pace dominated the market, the Kona Electric and its brother, the Kia e-Niro, provided a competitive yet more reasonably priced option. By 2024, the Kona Electric is still a competitive option in the EV market because to its excellent combination of affordability, range, and usability.
The EV Landscape in 2018 vs. 2024
There were few, pricy choices available for EVs with a range of more than 200 miles when the Kona Electric first came on the scene. With its Model S and Model X, Tesla monopolized the long-range EV market, while alternatives like the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace were priced far beyond the reach of the typical customer. The arrival of the Kona Electric, a compact, front-wheel-drive SUV with a 300-mile range at a price around £30,000, was a breath of new air.
The EV market has changed dramatically as of 2024. There are also less expensive choices; the Volkswagen ID.3 is one such vehicle that has a 336-mile range. For those looking for an affordable, dependable, and efficient electric vehicle (EV), the Kona Electric is still a strong option even with the growing competition.
Hyundai Kona Electric Variants
The Kona Electric is available in two main variants:
| Variant | Battery Size | Motor Power | Range (WLTP) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | 39.2 kWh | 134 kW | 189 miles | £30,000 |
| Long Range | 64 kWh | 201 bhp | 300 miles | £35,000 |
With a 39.2 kWh battery and a 134 kW engine, the Standard Range variant can go 189 miles. However, the Long Range model has a more potent 201 horsepower motor and a 64 kWh battery, which together provide an amazing 300 miles of range. With these alternatives, a diverse variety of consumers may afford the Kona Electric, meeting their demands and budgets.
Charging Capabilities
Any EV buyer must take charging into account, and the Kona Electric delivers on this front. With a 7 kW home wall box, the Long Range version may be completely charged in less than ten hours. For speedier top-ups, it takes about 64 minutes for a 50 kW charger to charge a battery from 10% to 80%. Due to its smaller battery, the Standard Range model charges even more quickly: a full charge through a wall box takes six hours, and a 50 kW rapid charge from 10% to 80% only takes 48 minutes.
Design and Features
The Kona Electric is not like its gasoline-powered and hybrid brothers in a few respects. The most obvious design modification is the lack of a front grille, which improves aerodynamics and is superfluous for an electric car. The car also has new side skirts, unique alloy wheels, and reprofiled front and rear bumpers. Conveniently placed at the front is the charging port, and the interior has been updated with newer, cleaner fabric.
A little cosmetic update has improved the 2024 Kona Electric’s attractiveness. With smoother surfaces and thinner lighting, the front fascia is sleeker and the entire appearance more closely resembles contemporary EV aesthetics. The car’s interior keeps its useful design, with a “floating” center console that provides lots of storage and a shelf beneath it for further convenience.
The 10.25-inch digital display that takes the place of the conventional instrument cluster is one of the major changes in the 2024 model. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility round out this package. The Kona Electric is a smart option for drivers in the present day because of these qualities.
Performance and Efficiency
Outstanding performance is offered by the Kona Electric, particularly for a compact SUV. Especially impressive is the 64 kWh Long Range model, whose 201 horsepower motor offers a quick and smooth driving experience. With 395 Nm of instantaneous torque provided by the car’s electric powertrain, handling and acceleration are assured. The Kona Electric is surprisingly silent at higher speeds and has outstanding stability despite its small size.
Efficiency is just another one of Kona Electric’s advantages. The car outperformed the official estimate of 15 kWh/100 km by consuming 12.5 kWh/100 km on a test drive. The Kona Electric is among the most efficient EVs in its class with a potential range of 313 km.
Safety and Technology
Hyundai places a high premium on safety, and the Kona Electric has an extensive array of driver aid technologies. They include rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection. To ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, the vehicle also has automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning.
Value for Money
The Kona Electric’s value for money is among its most alluring features. In a market where EVs are frequently expensive, the Kona Electric sticks out as a cost-effective choice without sacrificing amenities or range. The Long Range model costs around £35,000, while the Standard Range model costs about £30,000. Hyundai purposefully set the pricing of the 64 kWh model so that it would be eligible for government subsidies, which makes it an even more alluring option.
When it was originally introduced, the Hyundai Kona Electric changed the game, and it is still a formidable competitor in the EV industry. The Kona Electric is still among the greatest electric cars on the market, even if competition has grown and the market has changed—especially for people who value price and range. It is an appealing option for anybody thinking about switching to electric driving because of its balance of performance, economy, and affordability.
The Kona Electric will continue to be a well-liked option for customers as the EV industry expands since it provides a long-range, feature-rich driving experience at an affordable price point. The Hyundai Kona Electric should be on your short list of cars to consider, regardless of whether you’re seeking to upgrade or buy your first electric car.
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