Hyundai Kona Electric
July was the first month since the lockdown came into effect towards the end of March during which the Kona Electric clocked a fair few kilometres. The majority of the running was down to our trip to Hisar for the fifth edition of the Pride of India series. Within the city, during everyday use, I’ve been busy getting myself used to ‘one-pedal driving’. The pedal here refers to the accelerator as shedding speed is primarily taken care of by regenerative braking. In case of the Kona Electric, you get to choose from three levels, four if you count level 0 which is basically no regen at all. A pull of the left paddle increases the level while the one on the right reduces the extent of regenerative braking. To enable one-pedal driving though, taking your foot off the throttle and pulling and holding the left paddle increases the intensity of regenerative braking beyond the default level 3 setting. Hold it long enough and the car comes to a complete stop. Once stationary, even if the left paddle is released the car holds its position and does not move forward unless you nudge the accelerator. It essentially functions like a brake pedal operated with your left hand instead of your right foot. The brake lights function too considering the braking effect is quite significant. It does take a while to get the hang of it, but once you do you’ll find yourself using the brakes only in emergency situations. This helps maximise range and also helps reduce brake wear. Other aids present in the Hyundai Kona Electric that help maximise range, aside from the obvious ones like Eco and Eco+ modes, include the driver only setting for the aircon. It restricts airflow through vents to only the ones required to cool the driver’s side.
I’VE BEEN
BUSY GETTING MYSELF USED TO ‘ONE-PEDAL DRIVING’