Kona Electric

• Hyundai •

The idea appealed to us: a small, completely electric SUV which doesn’t pollute on our trips in the mountains (well, as already mentioned, we can debate on the method of electricity production from an ecological perspective…). Its amazing range of almost 450 km in its «Long Range» version is noteworthy. The maximum range can be achieved in urban driving, thanks to regenerative braking which recoups energy. The range decreases to around 330 km when driving only on the motorway.

Exterior and interior design

The lines of the car are well-designed and reminiscent of the combustion-powered Kona range. One difference which should be noted has to be its front grille which has no air intake to cool the engine. Our Kona doesn’t need one. The interior is plain but pleasant and nicely formed with digital connectivity up to the standards of this range of car.

The space provided for four people is more than sufficient and the seats are comfortable even for a trip lasting several hours.

Performance

Technically speaking, the Kona Electric comes in two versions : a “Long Range” version, which is the more powerful of the two, requiring a 64 kWh battery pack, with a stated 484 km range in the WLTP test cycle for models assembled in Europe. As for the powertrain, the electric motor has 204 hp (150 kW) and is able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. A Basic version with a 39.2 kWh battery has a 289 km range. It has a 135 hp electric motor which is able to reach 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds.

The electric motor provides 395 Nm of torque and its speed is limited to 167 km/h.

Charging the Hyundai Kona Electric

For both the slow and rapid charge, the Hyundai Kona Electric has an onboard 7.2 kW charger. Charging time is 9 hours 40 minutes for the “Long Range” version and 6 hours 10 minutes for the “Basic” version using a suitable wall-box.

The DC Combo system is used for the rapid charge. The Kona takes up to 77 kW of power which means it can be 80% charged in less than an hour at a Fastcharge point.

Technical specifications of the car tested

Hyundai Kona Electric - 64 kWh Powertrain : Electric Category : N SUV Performance : 204 hp - 150 kW Useable battery capacity : 64 kWh

Range : 484 km (WLTP) Consumption : 14.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP) Acceleration (0-100 km/): 7.9 sec. Transmission : front-wheel drive

Base price: 39 000 CHF (around €37 000)

Price of model tested : 52000 CHF (around €48 500)