2019 Hyundai Kona Electric: Possibly 250 Miles of Range in a Real Crossover That Actually Exists
Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said we’ll learn more about the company’s future Model Y electric crossover — its production date and build location — probably in another six months. Money might start flowing to that project late this year.
Well, by the fourth quarter of this year, electric Hyundai Kona crossovers will actually be arriving in California driveways, followed soon after by Northeastern states and other U.S. locales with zero emission vehicle mandates. This vehicle exists, in the flesh, right now. As the first mainstream crossover EV to land on our shores, the gas-free Kona’s estimated range tops that of the Chevrolet Bolt and (still unproduced) base model Tesla Model 3.
If you can see beyond the Jason Voorhees face, a bland yet revolutionary vehicle awaits.
The Kona Electric made its debut Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show, revealing its mainly featureless, perforated grille in public for the first time. The model is good for 250 miles of driving between charges, Hyundai claims.
If confirmed by the EPA, this range puts it 12 miles beyond the Bolt and 30 miles past the range of the stripper Model 3.
Hyundai’s subcompact crossover achieves this through a large, 64 kWh battery and a single electric motor powering the front wheels. Output stands at 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque — more than enough power to shave some rubber from the model’s low-drag tires at stoplights (assuming Hyundai allows it to). This tops the grunt of both the base 2.0-liter and uplevel 1.6-liter turbo model.
With its charging port located in the nose and only a small opening in the model’s chin for airflow (aero-improving side curtains appear as inlets on either side), the Kona EV’s light sources appear even smaller than on the gas-powered version. It’s a jarring sight some might require getting used to. The rest of the vehicle is pure Kona, as the EV variant retains the stock model’s gray plastic cladding poured over the wheel arches.
Standard content includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and buyers can opt for a larger, 8-inch touchscreen (up 1 inch from stock). Available driver aids run the gamut of what you’ve come to expect, and yes, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection comes on all models.
The vehicle’s underbody battery pack means cargo space remains the same as in its dino juice-slurping counterparts. Hyundai claims a charging time of 9 hours, 35 minutes at a conventional Level 2 charger, or 54 minutes at a DC fast-charging station (for a zero to 80 percent top-up). Once charged up and underway, drivers can choose from range-saving “normal” and “eco” modes, or hit the “sport” button to open the electron floodgates.
Hyundai will reveal pricing closer to the model’s launch, but expect it to be competitive. Even though the Kona EV is currently the sole occupant of the non-premium EV utility segment, rivals wait in the wings — including Tesla. Well, eventually.
[Images: Hyundai]
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- Zipper69 "At least Lincoln finally learned to do a better job of not appearing to have raided the Ford parts bin"But they differentiate by being bland and unadventurous and lacking a clear brand image.
- Zipper69 "The worry is that vehicles could collect and share Americans' data with the Chinese government"Presumably, via your cellphone connection? Does the average Joe in the gig economy really have "data" that will change the balance of power?
- Zipper69 Honda seem to have a comprehensive range of sedans that sell well.
- Oberkanone How long do I have to stay in this job before I get a golden parachute?I'd lower the price of the V-Series models. Improve the quality of interiors across the entire line. I'd add a sedan larger then CT5. I'd require a financial review of Celestiq. If it's not a profit center it's gone. Styling updates in the vision of the XLR to existing models. 2+2 sports coupe woutd be added. Performance in the class of AMG GT and Porsche 911 at a price just under $100k. EV models would NOT be subsidized by ICE revenue.
- NJRide Let Cadillac be Cadillac, but in the context of 2024. As a new XT5 owner (the Emerald Green got me to buy an old design) I would have happy preferred a Lyriq hybrid. Some who really like the Lyriq's package but don't want an EV will buy another model. Most will go elsewhere. I love the V6 and good but easy to use infotainment. But I know my next car will probably be more electrified w more tech.I don't think anyone is confusing my car for a Blazer but i agree the XT6 is too derivative. Frankly the Enclave looks more prestigious. The Escalade still has got it, though I would love to see the ESV make a comeback. I still think GM missed the boat by not making a Colorado based mini-Blazer and Escalade. I don't get the 2 sedans. I feel a slightly larger and more distinctly Cadillac sedan would sell better. They also need to advertise beyond the Lyriq. I don't feel other luxury players are exactly hitting it out of the park right now so a strengthened Cadillac could regain share.
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All this talk about electrics, and how nice and warm and fuzzy they make everyone feel. But no one talks much about the down side. At around 80k to 100k the battery pack is shot costing the consumer $10,000 or more to replace( the leaf is cheapest at over $6000 installed)Factor in energy cost at around 17 cents per KWH which in electric car( electric cars need 30kwh to go 100miles) is about $10-11 to drive 200 miles, and you see that the true cost and downside of these things are.
Nice looking car from the front and the flanks... Rear looks like a helicopter dropped it 5 stories high on some other vehicle.