However, there is no word on the cost.
The standard gasoline-powered Kona will be available to American buyers later this year. Hyundai will also offer an electric version of the compact crossover. The Kona EV will make its North American debut at New York Auto. It may not look very different from the standard model, but there is a surprising amount more electric range underneath.
The first Hyundai compact electric crossover has a range of 250 miles (402 km) on the U.S. scale, thanks to a 64-kWh lithium ion battery pack. This is a 12-mile improvement on the Chevrolet Bolt (238 mi), a 30-mile improvement on the standard Tesla Model 3 (220 mi), and a substantial 99-mile improvement on the new Nissan Leaf (151 mi). The total power output is listed as 201 horsepower (150 Kilowatts) & 291 pound-feet (394 Nms) of torque, with DC fastcharging standard.
This figure is almost identical to the European Kona EV version. Depending on the trim, the non-U.S. Kona can travel 300 km (186 miles) on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), or 470 km (292 miles), with the larger 64-kWh lithium battery. American customers won’t have the option to choose between the two electric Konas, but can opt for the more efficient and powerful of the two.
The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle will be available for purchase in the United States starting in the fourth quarter 2018. Initial availability in California is limited. The small EV will soon be available in other ZEV-focused states, such as the northeast and west. Although Hyundai has not yet listed a price, considering that the Kona base starts at $19500, we expect the electric model to be just a little over $20,000.
“The Kona Electric crossover is a fashionable and efficient compact SUV that meets the needs of eco-conscious customers,” Mike O’Brien, vice President of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America.
“We are confident that it will set new standards in the electric-propelled compact UV segment with exceptional range flexibility, attractive design and class-leading safety features.
The Kona EV will feature the same amenities and comfort as its gas-powered counterpart. A fully digital seven inch instrument cluster and eight-way power adjustable seats with heating/ventilation functions are available in the cabin. The European Kona Electric EV’s trunk can store 13.17 cubic feet (373 Liters) of storage without the charging cable. However, with the charging cables, this number drops to 11.17 cubic yards (332 Liters).