Second-gen Hyundai Kona Electric gets up to 490km driving range

The new Kona will adopt an EV-to-ICE approach, with electric versions slated to go on sale in global markets first.

Published On Mar 09, 2023 08:00:00 AM

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2023 Hyundai Kona electric front quarter

Hyundai took the wraps off the second-gen Kona SUV back in December, but the carmaker had then only revealed the exterior and interior design. Now, Hyundai has finally revealed the specifications of the Kona electric’s powertrain.

The second-gen Kona, as we have reported before, will be available in pure ICE, hybrid and all-electric versions. This time, Hyundai breaks away from the conventional ICE-to-EV development process, instead opting for an EV-to-ICE process.

Kona electric gets two powertrain options: standard and long range
Has a maximum WLTP-claimed range of over 490km
Interior gets dual-infotainment screens, ADAS, among other features

Hyundai Kona electric: battery and range

The Kona electric will now be available with two powertrain options: standard range and long range. The former is equipped with a 48.4kWh battery and powers an electric motor that produces 153hp and 250Nm of peak torque. The latter gets a larger 65.4kWh battery that feeds an electric motor of 215hp and 255Nm of peak torque. For reference, the last-gen Kona sold in India uses a 39.2kWh battery pack.

Interestingly, Hyundai still hasn’t quoted a claimed driving range for the standard range Kona electric, but says the long-range variant will return over 490km on the WLTP cycle. The new Kona electric is also capable of one-pedal driving with its regenerative braking system and, as with the Ioniq 5, is also capable of a vehicle-to-load feature, which means you can power external devices using the car’s battery.

Hyundai Kona electric: exterior and interior

The new Kona takes design influence from the bold Hyundai Seven concept from 2021. It features a slim wraparound front light bar, clamshell bonnet and chunky off-road-influenced design cues. Depending on the powertrain selected, the design will also vary.

The EV gets exterior pixel graphic details, while the hybrid and ICE models get functional air intakes, grilles and skidplates at the front and rear. The pixel graphics and sharp character lines bring it in line with newer Hyundai electric SUVs such as the Ioniq 5, but it also has a resemblance to the car it replaces with split LED headlamps and its overall profile.

It's 150mm longer than the outgoing Kona (at 4,355mm), 25mm wider and has a 60mm longer wheelbase. This increase in dimensions, Hyundai says, provides “maximised living space” in the revamped cabin, which hosts a similar wraparound digital driver display like the Ioniq 5 – in the form of dual 12.3-inch displays. These screens have been coupled with physical buttons for climate control and heated seats located on a floating module just underneath.

The Kona electric’s shift-by-wire gear selector has been relocated from the centre console to behind the steering wheel, which allows more storage in the open console area.

Hyundai Kona electric: features

Hyundai has also revealed the equipment list on the Kona electric. It includes keyless entry, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a powered tailgate, a heads-up display, over-the-air updates, connected car tech and a whole suite of ADAS functions, which includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, forward collision-avoidance assist and more.

Hyundai’s EV line-up in India

The first-gen Kona EV is still listed on Hyundai India's website, and while the facelifted version of the outgoing Kona was expected to be brought to India last year, it remains to be seen how Hyundai updates the Kona range in India. Hyundai recently also launched the locally assembled Ioniq 5 as its second EV in India.

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