Hyundai launched India’s first long-range electric vehicle Hyundai Kona Electric at Rs. 25.30 lakhs (ex-showroom). Price may come down in near future by cut in GST tax rates by more than half. Hyundai aims to have 21 hybrid models and 23 complete-electric models in their lineup, by the year 2025. The Hyundai Kona Electric has been imported to India as a CKD (Completely-Knocked-Down) unit and will be assembled at Hyundai Motors India Pvt Limited (HMIL)’s Chennai plant. The Hyundai Kona Electric’s coefficient of drag is a wind cheating 0.29 Cd, which its impressive aerodynamic rating for Compact-SUV body style.
The front of Hyundai Kona Electric gets a future-focused modern precedes, with a cross-hatch, debased design elements for the grille area. The electric charging port is seamlessly integrated with this grille area for convenient, head-in parking at charging stations. The front view is flanked by aero-tuned flared fenders that enhance its road presence. It’s further enhanced by a separated headlight design with LED Day Time Running Lights (DRL) above similar to the one seen in Tata Harrier.
Hyundai Kona Electric’s side-profile design has a bright-finish lower wave like elements visually connects the front and rear, as do contrasting grey fender flares. Hyundai Kona rides on a 17-inch eco-spoke aero design alloy wheels that adds a unique touch to the profile and also provides aero dynamic efficiency benefits too.
The rear light configuration also creates a unique, signature appearance. The slim brake lights, turn indicators and reserve lamps are in separated configuration, surrounded by protective skin that begins at the C-pillar garnish. The rear bumper fascia conveys an inverse wave-form design elements that conveys ruggedness of the electric SUV.
Hyundai Kona Electric is available only in one trim. Kona EV is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) mounted on the front axle. The engines churns out 134 BHP and 395 Nm of Torque. As the car is powered by an electric motor it gets instant torque which helps the Hyundai Kona Electric accelerate to a 100 Km/h from standstill in just 9.7 seconds. Hyundai Kona Electric gets three drive modes- Eco/Eco+, Comfort and Sport.
Hyundai Kona Electric can be charged to 80% in just 54 minutes using a 100 kW charger- the trouble is, the 50 kWh DC fast charging will be available at selected Indian Oil pumps and Hyundai dealerships. Hyundai offers a free 7.2 kWh AC wall charger for home and a 2.8 kW portable charger. At this rate of charge the wait is far longer: the 39 kWh model takes just over six hours using the AC wall box meanwhile, portable charger charges up-to 50 km in just three hours.
The space inside the Hyundai Kona Electric is mixed up. The co-drive benefits from lots of seat adjustment and the driver gets a wide range of steering wheel adjustment to ensure a comfortable driving positions, while front passengers gets good space. However, three adults in the back seats won’t be so comfortable as, even if head room is decent, leg room is at more of a premium.
Hyundai Kona Electric’s transition to electric power hurts the boot space. Kona EV gets a 332 litres boot space while the regular Hyundai Kona gets a 361 litres of boot space. Hyundai Kona Electric gets 60:40 split-folding rear seats as a standard feature.
Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a plenty of standard features, including automatic headlights, LED headlight, taillight and Day-time Running Lights (DRLs), 17-inch aero-spoke design alloy wheels, air-con, floating 7-inch infotainment system which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Head-Up Display (HUD) with active pop-up display screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, leather upholstery, 10-way electrically adjustable seats, Clari-fi 8 speakers, Shift-by-wire centre console drive controls with additional storage below, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, Qi Wireless-device charging, rear parking sensors with rear camera, ABS with EBD, hill hold control, Tire-Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), six airbags including side curtain airbags, all four disc brakes, high-speed alert and seat belt pretensions for front seat. However, Hyundai Kona Electric lacks Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected Car feature.
Hyundai Kona Electric which costs Rs 25.30 lakhs (ex. showroom) is among the few complete electric vehicles in the country. At this moment Hyundai Kona Electric is a novel car as it doesn’t have an competitor. In future it will compete with MG eZS and BMW i8 which might be launched in India by 2020. Still, none of these alternatives can claim as impressive a range as the Hyundai Kona Electric. Hence, it’s well worth to buy if you are looking for a good Electric car. Hyundai Kona Electric will be sold in only 16 Indian cities initially which are expected to include Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
