2022 – 2023 Electric Cars Electric and Hybrid Cars, SUVs and Pickup Trucks: News, Reviews, Prices and Releases
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will be one of the best vehicles of the upcoming season. The electric version of the compact SUV provides up to 258 miles of driving range. That range puts Kona on the very top among the vehicles in a similar price range. Also, Hyundai’s EV offers a lot more room than the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt.
The gas-powered Kona is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. It has all the qualities and affordable prices. Now, the electric version will be an equally fascinating, and affordable long-range model. However, for the US market, it will be available only in the following states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Design
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is a very charming, yet subtle crossover. Dimension-wise it is similar to the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade. Well, it’s nearly identical to the size of Jaguar I-Pace, and few inches shorter than the Kia Niro. The company describes electric Kona as ‘youthful, futuristic, and eco-oriented vehicle’, indicating its low and wide stance, sporty contours, and short wheel overhangs.
The electric version of the compact SUV offers the same 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space. The exterior is nearly the same as the gas-powered model. Still, you’ll notice an odd hash-marked fascia, that accommodate the charging inlet. Besides, the Korean automaker claims that the flat design of the EV improves aerodynamics. Also, the narrow split LED lightning units of the front fascia contributes to the smooth design language as well. The Kona Electric provides a roomy cabin, thigh rear seating, and decent interior features.
Well, comfort is one of the main attributes of this model. The cabin is way more spacious than you’ll find in Chevy Bolt for example. The dash uses a floating touchscreen, for vehicle info and entertainment systems. the new feature is the center-console push-button gear selector, which replaces a traditional shifter from the gas-powered version.
As for the colors, the customers can choose between Phantom Black, Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Ceramic Blue, and Pulse Red. The standard wheels are 17-inch alloys with 215/55R17 tires.
Performance
Under the hood of 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will be an electric motor driving, which makes 201 hp and powers the front wheels. All versions come with FWD and a single-speed transmission. This motor provides equal output as the Chevrolet Bolt, and more than Leaf (147 hp) and BMW i3 (170 hp). All these EVs rush from 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds.
The Kona Electric achieves a maximum speed of 104 mph. Furthermore, drivers can switch between three different driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. The electric version will be more powerful than the internal-combustion version.
Moreover, with the improved suspension system, which provides better support for the battery pack, the EV comes with better stability and ride comfort as well.
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Driving Range, Charging
The Korean manufacturer claims that the forthcoming 2021 Hyundai Korona Electric will have up to 258 miles of driving range. Well, that’s better than Bolt’s 238, and probably the best range in the whole class. However, both Kona and Bolt are more city-cars, than vehicles for long-distance road trips.
So, that additional 20 miles are not as important as it seems for vehicles of this type. Moreover, the efficiency is rated at 120 MPGe, which is in line with the Leaf’s 108 MPGe and Bolt’s 118 MPGe. The upcoming Hyundai’s EV will use standard chragin rates. The full recharge from empty to full will take about 10 hours, with a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
Also, the customers can purchase the Quick Charger, toned-down to 50 kW for US public chargers. As a result, Kona will re-supply from empty to around 80% in 75 minutes.
Price and Configurations
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will be available in three versions.SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. The entry-level Kona SEL offers decent comfort and technology, that will be enough for most customers. The starting price will be around $39,000. Next, we got the Limited trim.
This version adds a sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, wireless device charging, leather upholstery and much more. The starting price of the Limited is around $43,000. To range-topping model is the Kona Electric Ultimate.
Besides the equipment from the first two trims, the Ultimate adds pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system, and much more. The price tag is $46,500. The official release date of the 2021MY is still unknown. According to the reports, Hyundai’s EV will be available by the fall of 2020.
