Hyundai Unveils Kona EV

Today Hyundai Motor Co. took the wraps off the electric variant of its Kona small crossover vehicle ahead of its public introduction at next week’s Geneva auto show.

The Kona Electric sports a closed-off front grille and larger wheels than the piston-powered model. Aerodynamics are aided by a special rooftop spoiler and front bumper with lateral air curtains.

Hyundai confirms that the Kona Electric will offer two battery options. The top-end 64-kWh system provides a 470-km (292-mile) driving range, while the 39.2-kWh pack is listed at 300 km (186 miles).

The long-range model is teamed with a 148-kW electric motor; the shorter-range variant gets a 98-KW motor. Both motors generate 291 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 104 mph, but the more powerful unit trims zero to 62-mph acceleration by nearly 20% to 7.6 seconds. 

The lithium-ion battery packs can be charged to 80% capacity in 54 minutes from a 100-kW fast charger, Hyundai says. Using a standard household outlet takes just over six hours to charge the 39.2-kWh battery and 9 hours and 40 minutes for the 64-kWh system. The charger port is located next to the front Hyundai badge.

Hyundai says the Kona platform is designed to integrate the battery packs without encroaching upon passenger or cargo capacity. The Kona Electric has about 13.2 cu-ft of rear storage without the charging cable and 11.7 cu-ft with the cable stowed.

The interior features a digital dashboard, head-up display and standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. An 8-inch touchscreen with an uprated navigation system and data package is optional.