Hyundai Kona: first all-electric small SUV offers 470km WLTP range
Hyundai is pulling a hat trick at the Geneva Motor Show: it launches the world's very first small SUV with an all-electric powertrain, which is available with a choice of two motors and battery packs, the most powerful of which sets a new record in terms of range, i.e. 470 km. And that's not a NEDC, but a WLTP value.
The standard Kona Electric comes with a 99-kW motor connected to a 39.2-kWh battery pack, which makes it comparable to the new Nissan Leaf. Measured by the new WLTP, this Kona Electric yields 300 km of motoring freedom. If you need more, you can opt for the 150-kW model, which comes with a 64-kWh battery unit.
Concentrate of technology
The Kona Electric is immediately recognisable from its radiator grille, or the lack thereof. The inside is characterised by a floating centre console with a shift-by-whire module, which allows you to set the desired regenerative braking force. Also new is the 7-inch 'supervision' cluster to monitor the car's operation. It goes without saying that connectivity is a core value of this new emission-free crossover, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabling smartphone mirroring.
Talking about control: the new electric crossover also features SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of active safety features. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and Lane Following Assist: the list is impressive.
Roomy and convenient
Electric driving does not have to be uncomfortable. Each of the front seats is electrically adjustable in eight directions. In front of both front seats there is a 3-phase ventilation and heating system, so that the ride remains pleasant in all weather conditions. The optional heated steering wheel provides warmth in even the coldest climates.
The Kona Electric is spacious, too. Legroom and headroom are ample, while the boot swallows a total of 332 litres and features a storage compartment for the charging cable. With a 100 kW DC fast charger, the 64-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery can be charged for 80% in just 54 minutes, incidentally. With the on-board 7.2 kW AC charger, you need to wait for 9 hours and 40 minutes to completely top it up.
The Kona Electric will come to European showrooms in the second half of 2018. If the pricing is attractive, the Nissan Leaf may just gain a very tough competitor indeed.
