Hyundai has launched its Kona Electric, with a quoted range of almost 300 miles on a single charge quoted for the compact SUV. The pure-electric model will offer a zero-tailpipe emission alternative to the Kona line-up, with two different powertrains on offer.
The Kona Electric is available in long-range and basic versions. The long-range model will use a 64kWh battery to offer a quoted range of 292 miles. Powered by a 204hp electric motor, the Kona Electric will complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds.
The basic version will have a 39kWh battery pack which offers a quoted range of 186 miles, and is powered by a 135hp electric motor. Both models have the same torque figure, with 395 Nm available for the brisk acceleration that is part and parcel of EV performance.
Both range figures are internal figures, based on the WLTP test cycle, which is more accurate than the NEDC. Although still not a ‘real-world’ figure, this explains the seemingly modest range from what is a large battery pack – when compared to the likes of the Renault Zoe’s 250 miles NEDC from a 41kWh battery.
Where an NEDC range of around 300 miles would normally translate to a real-world range of 200-250 miles (depending on conditions), a WLTP range is expected to be closer to the quoted figure. Expect 220-270 miles possible on a single charge – though further details will be available from launch.
Hyundai’s second pure-electric vehicle, the Kona EV is set to become one of the most important plug-in models of 2018. A long driving range and accessible price point will challenge the leaders in the mainstream EV marketplace, with statistics better than most rivals can boast.
The Kona EV was Commended in the Next Green Car Awards 2017 Next Generation category, narrowly losing out to the Jaguar I-Pace – which coincidentally is launched later this week.
Hyundai has said that the Kona Electric will be well-equipped, with high levels of safety kit included. Charging will be possible at 100kW on a rapid charger capable of offering those levels of power.
A 7.2 kW on-board charger will allow for a charging time of a bit over six hours for the 39.2 kWh battery model, and around 9 hours 40 minutes for the 64 kWh version. Although details are yet to be confirmed for separate markets, the launch images show that the Kona Electric uses a CCS charging standard – unsurprising considering the IONIQ Electric uses the same set-up.
Hyundai has stated that by 2020, 60% of its product line-up will be available as an eco model, and the Kona Electric is an important part in that plan. Hyundai is expanding its electric model line-up rapidly, with the Kona EV joining the IONIQ Electric, IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid, and IONIQ Hybrid, plus the ix35 Fuel Cell – which is soon to be replaced by the Nexo, offering greater range, style, and space.
Find out where to charge existing Hyundai plug-in models on Zap-Map by using the model filters.
