Hyundai’s wide-ranging Kona Electric

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energy. Helping drivers avoid accidents are the forward collision alert, active cruise control with stop/ go, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitors, and rear cross traffic alert systems fitted to all Kona Electrics. There’s also a button-operated sound projector that alerts pedestrians at speeds up to 28km/h of the presence of the Kona Electric. (Don’t worry, the volume is kept at a reasonable level.)

The Kona Electric Elite proved an accomplished drive, the ride improved with speed, and the steering felt as athletic and responsive as the willing powertrain. But there was an over-riding impression of weight as well. The Kona E-E may be a size-AO SUV offering similar luggage and cabin space to a Suzuki Vitara, but it weighs a hefty 1.8 tonnes.

The caveat with the 64kWh battery is that you’re going to have use a public DC fast charger if seeking to keep recharging times to reasonable periods. Even then, an 80 per cent charge will take 75 minutes, extending the queue of disgruntled Nissan Leaf import owners at the charging station. Using one of Hyundai’s fast-AC wall chargers at home from partner supplier Transnet ($2000-$2500) will allow the 64kWh battery to reach an 80 per cent charge in 8-9 hours, whereas simply plugging the car into your home socket will extend the time for that 80 per cent charge to an incredible 43 hours.

The still-to-come 39kWh Kona Electric will drop these 80 per cent recharge times to 45 minutes, 5-6 hours, and 26 hours respectively. So it’s probably better to wait for that model if seeking to become a habitual home charger of a Kona Electric.