Hyundai Kona Electric SUV launched in India at Rs 25.30 lakh

Hyundai Motor India Ltd has launched India’s first fully electric SUV- Kona at Rs 25.30 lakh. The vehicle boasts of an ARAI certified range of 452 Kms on a single charge. The vehicle gets its name after the west-coast region of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The vehicle was launched in the presence of  SS Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited and other company officials.

Exteriors

The Kona electric SUV has a unique front grille with intaglio patterns and a unique graphic element on the grille with the spilt type headlamp. The electric charging port is seamlessly integrated with this grille area for convenient, head-in parking at charging stations. It has LED Daytime Running Lights above and LED headlights below.

The side profile shows a sloping roof line and distinct design characteristics of a sporty SUV with lightweight aero design wheels. The vehicle comes with 215/55 R17 tyres. The vehicle has a very aerodynamic styling.

The rear has slim brake lights, turn indicators. The rear bumper fascia is quite smartly designed. The vehicle is being offered in  colours like Phantom Black, Polar White, Marina Blue, Typhoon Silver and Polar white with Phantom Black Roof.

Interiors

The interiors are sleek and simple, yet smart in more ways than one because of the dark shades and the decent material plastic and fabric used.  Kona’s shift-by-wire drive controls are supported by a centre console upper bridge element with an integrated open-access lower storage bin for convenience. The 7 inches touchscreen infotainment includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The standard. The touchscreen infotainment includes AM/FM/MP3, auxiliary input, voice-command recognition and Rear View Monitor.

There is plenty of storage space and charging point. The steering wheel can be adjusted for distance as well as tilt. The vehicle gets power driver’s seat, leather ventilated seats in the front, automatic air conditioning and smart key with push button start. In a first for the segment, the Kona electric  offers smart phone wireless charging. To charge a device, simply place a compatible smart phone on the wireless-charging interface located in the center console storage, recharging without the need for cables.

 The rear seats are decent with space for three with three adjustable headrests. But what is missing are the much needed AC vents at the back.

Performance

The Kona Electric powertrain employs a powerful and highly-efficient 134hp permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor powered by a high-voltage 39.2 kWh advanced lithium-ion polymer battery. The motor develops 395Nm of torque distributed to the front wheels. It gives an acceleration of 0- 100 kmph in just 9.7 seconds. The battery system has liquid-cooling technology and battery pack has high energy density.

The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut system using an innovative sub-frame bushing design for enhanced comfort and reduced NVH. The MacPherson strut design uses gas-filled shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar for lower weight and enhanced responsiveness.

The Kona Electric SUV employs a multi-link rear suspension design for overall agility, ride comfort and stability. The vehicle has a motor-driven power steering.

Kona Electric offers differentiated driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Comfort and Sport) optimise torque distribution. In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration, while Eco+ and Eco modes progressively prioritise range over performance with more conservative power-delivery and deliver maximum electric range by brake regeneration. The SUV also comes with paddle shifts for more fun driving.

Charging the Kona Electric

The customers will be provided with two chargers along with the car – A portable charger and an AC Wall Box Charger. The Portable charger can be plugged into any normal 3 Pin 15 Amp socket and charge the vehicle. This charger can top up daily running of 50Kms in less than 3 Hours. Whereas AC Wall Box charger (7.2 kW) can top-up charge the vehicle within 1 hour for running 50Kms.

For providing fast charging facility, Hyundai is working along with IOCL to develop infrastructure at select Fuel Stations in select cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai). HMIL will invest on the equipment and installation of these Fast Chargers (CCS Type – Single Port). These chargers can charge 80% of the battery capacity in less than an hour.

Moreover, all Hyundai electric selling dealerships are equipped with 7.2 kW AC Charger to support customers for Kona electric charging. Additionally, in select cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai) a special Kona electric fleet fitted with power converter will provide emergency charging support to the customers. Also, for the convenience of customers, HMIL has tied up with MapMyIndia, to display Kona electric compatible EV charging stations in HMIL Website and in Mobile App.

The Kona electric SUV would be available with a warranty for 3 Years and unlimited Kilometres, along with a Warranty for 8 Years and upto 160,000 Kms for its High Voltage Battery.

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