Hyundai Kona: What is in Nigeria’s first local electric vehicle?
From Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos
Nigeria finally joined the league of countries with Electric Vehicles (EV) with the launch of the Hyundai Kona, the first locally assembled Electric vehicle from the stable of Stallion Group/VON’s assembly plant in Lagos.
The pioneering initiative of the Stallion Group opens a new vista of opportunities in the automotive industry as the world gradually phases out the gasoline powered vehicles in response to global climate change and concerted action against emission.
It first debuted in June 2017 while the electric version called the Kona Electric (or Kona EV) was first launched in South Korea in the first half of 2018 before it was rolled out gradually worldwide.
The Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100 kilometres) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 kilowatt hour (KWH).
The ease of charging has been described as unmatched as it can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery. It is 100 per cent electric with zero carbon emission.
Also the running cost is said to be minimal compared to the petrolpowered variant.
For electricity consumers resident in accommodation categorised under R1 where they are charged N45 per kilowatt, it is estimated that Hyundai Kona owners would incur only N3300 for a full charge that will do a running of 482kms, if he or she plugs the car into public power supply.
The charging is also as simple as getting your mobile plugged in at your home or office electrical socket.
According to the manufacturers, the ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery charge and the power consumption for full charging is 143 WH/KM (68.926 kwh for 482km).
Besides the Hyundai Kona’s electric power-packed performance for providing a thrilling driving experience it also manages to excel with its charging kit capacity of 2.3KW, with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. The styling
CIG Motors (sole distributors of the
GAC brand in Nigeria) said the newly launched
GA4 and GS3 are designed exclusively for “young
and upwardly mobile Nigerians.”
In a statement, the auto dealer
said it was committed to inspiring young and
innovative car enthusiasts in Nigeria to ‘Create the
Future’. A recent event, themed: Unity in
Diversity’ saw the launch of the vehicles featuring
a fusion of virtual coverage, live art and theatre. In attendance at the launch were the
Lagos State Chief of Staff Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Mr.
Amaju Pinnick - President of the Nigerian Football
Federation; Mr. Usen Udoh - Group Chief Human
Resources Officer - Dangote Group; alongside
stakeholders from major corporations and industries
Nigeria across
witnessing this historic event.
The Group Chairman of GAC,
Chief Diana Chen, said the launch of the new
GA4 and GS3 cars were an expressive medium
to ‘create their future.’
The unveiling ceremony of the cars
showcased of the vehicle is conventional, the interior is luxurious, and the ride is nearly silent.
The brand head Mr. Gaurav Vasisht further added that Hyundai Kona is a stepping stone towards a greener Lagos. The question often asked is are we ready for Electric Vehicle in Nigeria? I am asking
“Who says we are not ready?”