Hyundai has pulled the covers off an all-electric version of the KONA – the South Korean manufacturer’s recently-launched compact crossover.
The brand’s electric range consists currently of solely the Ioniq, with the KONA being its second fully-electric car – excluding the brand’s few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The KONA was initially launched with petrol engines - and with the promise of a diesel variant to come - but the marque has chosen to launch the electric version first.
The KONA Electric boasts an impressive claimed range of up to 300 miles for the range-topping model, with two different output battery packs available.
The entry-level 39.2kWh battery pack develops 113bhp and 395Nm of torque, allowing the KONA to get from 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 104mph. This model claims an electric range of 186 miles, with the battery being able to be charged from empty to 80 per cent in 54 minutes using a DC charger.
The range-topping 64kWh unit produces 201bhp and the same 395Nm of torque. It’s capable of accelerating the KONA Electric to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, with the same top speed as the other offering. It also offers a claimed range of 300 miles, making it one of the largest ranges offered by any current electric car.
While its looks remain largely conventional and similar to the petrol-powered KONA, it can be distinguished by a closed grille that also reduces drag, therefore improving efficiency. It also makes do without exhaust tips, to, while the bumpers and spoiler have been tweaked for aerodynamics.
The interior is also largely unchanged, although the absence of the gearbox and transmission tunnel allows for more storage space.
Interestingly, the steering wheel-mounted paddles change the intensity of the regenerative braking, allowing for more energy to be restored under acceleration with the intensity turned up.
Hyundai is yet to announce prices for the KONA Electric, although more details are expected when it makes its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next week.
