GOVERNMENTS START WARMING TO CHANGE
EVs are fast becoming viable options for families which is forcing the bureaucrats to keep pace
State governments have taken the first strides toward an electric future. Buy an electric vehicle in New South Wales and various rebates, stamp-duty waivers and other perks reduce the price by up to $7000 if the vehicle is priced below $78,000. Down in Victoria, the rebate is $3000 for EVs less than $68,750.
For Queensland, the Palaszczuk government is looking at all options. Transport Minister Mark Bailey has been a strong supporter of the latest electric technology, and the smart state has a super highway shadowing the coastline with charging stations strategically positioned from Cairns to Coolangatta.
The steady change is welcome news for carmakers transitioning to alternative power. Incentives are also timely for offerings like the Hyundai Kona Electric, which was relaunched this year with a new look and the option of a “standard” range or “extended”.
Our family trialled the latter, which has the capacity to travel more than 480km on one charge.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: In profile there looks to be minimal change, but the front end ensures the Kona Electric is an attention-grabber.
GRANT: Differentiating the 2021 model from its predecessors is simple, with that closed grille and sharper headlights making it appear more futuristic and the upgrade really highlights the electric credentials. It’s difficult to tell, but this model is also 25mm longer.
KEL: The Kona is a good-looking car no matter what’s under the bonnet, but everyone is obsessed with the range.
GRANT: We’re in the range-topping Highlander 150kW variant with the extended range. Fully charged it can now travel 484km on one charge – 35km further than previous. KEL: That really alleviates the range anxiety many people feel, and having lived with EVs that offer about half that capacity it’s far greater peace of mind.
GRANT: Sitting on the side of the highway is the greatest fear for many, and we’re still waiting for the charging infrastructure to catch up. You do pay a premium in this case, about $65,700 drive-away which is a leap from the MG ZS EV which is $43,990 but that has a range of only 240km, while the Nissan Leaf is about $55k and has a range of more than 350km.
KEL: The other big question is charging time. We only used a standard household plug and it kept things topped up for a week.
GRANT: From about 10 per cent to 100 would take more than 28 hours using a normal power point. Most buyers would install a wallbox and that drops the time to about six hours, while a 100kW fast-charger can do the job as quick as 47 minutes (10-80 per cent).
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Nicely finished, the perforated faux leather seats with a heating and cooling function, as well soft-touch materials create a polished cabin, but I’d expect that given the price. Hyundais are also always great with Apple CarPlay, I can just plug my phone in and everything works straight away. GRANT: One difference compared to the petrol engine Konas are the buttons which replace the gear shifter. Other than that the design is similar, with the feature highlights a 10.25-inch touchscreen and another digital driver display of the same size, wireless phone charging, high-end Harman Kardon stereo and a sunroof. KEL: Under the centre console there’s a great area for handbags. GRANT: It is a wide console, but it has good central cupholders able to handle cups and larger bidons, while the doors also have bulges to accommodate bottles. The black/grey interior colour scheme attracts a $295 cost, while premium paint adds $595.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: Electric cars are awesome. I love the way they get away so quickly from a standing start. GRANT: Combustion engines take some time to build, whereas the torque available from an EV is immediate. This 150kW version is rapid off the line and it feels like a sports car.
KEL: I liked how the driver’s instruments changed colours depending on the mode selected.
GRANT: You can choose from the Sport, Normal and two Eco personalities, and use the steering wheel paddles to help brake and put energy back into the battery.
KEL: Driving in traffic can take some adjustment and I found my slowing style was erratic when using the paddles for braking.
GRANT: It can take some practice, yet once you get used to things you can virtually control the Kona just via the accelerator and paddles with no need to brake. EVs do their best work when in traffic and they use that regenerative braking to maintain range – out on the highway you typically eat up the kilometres quicker as there is no stopstart activity.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: There’s limited boot space, our weekly grocery shop was a rare occasion where the whole family was on board and we had to Tetris the bags into the back seat around our two boys. GRANT: Carrying capacity is just above 330L which is limited due to the underfloor battery (but only about 40L less than the non-electric model). The rear seats do fold 60-40 for carrying larger items.
KEL: One advantage of the small SUV is parking, and I didn’t have any issues – even at busy school drop-off when I had to reverse park under pressure.
GRANT: Safety features have also been upgraded, now inclusive of rear-cross traffic avoidance that warns if vehicles are approaching while the Kona is reversing and even apply the brakes if the driver fails to act. There parking sensors all round, along with radar cruise control and an ability to gently keep the car within the lane if driver attention wanders.
SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Driving the Kona was a fun experience. I loved how zippy it felt, and was great up hills and it didn’t feel too tippy in the bends either. GRANT: The steering is precise and accurate, and despite that battery under the floor as well as firm suspension the Kona is an EV that surprisingly doesn’t feel heavy.
KEL: Collectively I find everything easy. Quick off the line and well balanced, it’s one of the best EVs I have driven.
GRANT: Energy consumption was 14kWh/100km, so compare that to petrol and probably about $5 per 100km. We used solar charging at home, so the cost would be far less.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Heated outboard rear seats were appreciated on some cold mornings by our kids, as well as a USB port to keep their devices charged.
GRANT: Rear seat space is reasonable for passengers with good head, leg and knee room. KEL: Is the warranty and running costs the same as the petrol models?
GRANT: There’s the same five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as an eight-year battery guarantee. Servicing is less expensive in an EV and Hyundai offers prepaid plans at about $800 over five years.
THE VERDICT
KEL: The last time we drove the Kona Electric I thought it was the best option we’d sampled, given the price, features, looks and driving range. Everything has got better with this model, so for those ready for the automotive revolution it’s the smart choice.
GRANT: Coal magnate turned electric-vehicle mogul Trevor St Baker is on board, recognising car companies are no longer investing in combustion engine technology. The Kona remains an expensive offering, yet for those with solar power at home who do a lot of stopstart travel, the running cost numbers will deliver long-term savings.