Hyundai has confirmed the 2019 Kona Electric will
have one of the most impressive ranges of any mainstream electric vehicle. Featuring an estimated range of 415 km, the Kona Electric beats competitors such as the Chevrolet
Bolt (383 km) and Nissan Leaf (241 km). The crossover
also boasts more than twice the range of the Ford Focus Electric (185 km) and Volkswagen e-Golf (201 km).
The Kona’s impressive range is largely due to the
model’s 64 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that
develops 201 hp and 394 Nm of torque. Besides
having a slightly larger battery pack than the Bolt, the Kona’s battery has a
higher energy density of 141.3 Wh/kg.
The crossover’s electric motor also
develops an additional 1 hp (1 PS) and 33 Nm of torque. When the battery is dead, it can
be given an 80% charge in 54 minutes using a Level 3 quick charger. However,
that same process takes 9 hours and 35 minutes using the 7.2 kW Level 2
on-board charger.
The 2019 Kona Electric will be launched in the
United States early next year and the model will initially be available in
California. The crossover will then be offered in other “ZEV-focused states in
the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.”
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but Hyundai has said
the Kona Electric will come standard with LED lighting units, Forward
Collision-Avoidance Assist and 17-inch alloy wheels. The model will also have 53 liters of cargo room which is the same as the standard
Kona.
An assortment of different options will be available
including heated leather seats, an automatic climate control system and a
wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights include a proximity key, a
head-up display and an 8-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation. Buyers
can also order an assortment of assistance systems including Lane Keeping
Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance
Assist and Parking Distance Warning.
