NEW YORK—Hyundai debuted the 2024 Kona Electrical on the New York Worldwide Auto Present right here as we speak. The small SUV, the second-generation Kona Electrical, will hit sellers later this yr.
Hyundai’s new and improved sprint display provides the car an upscale, futuristic really feel. “Among the many upgrades are twin, 12.3-inch panoramic show screens, Digital Key 2 Contact, over-the-air (OTA) software program updates, and Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment system,” Hyundai says.
That is the primary time the Kona may have OTA updates, although Hyundai’s different EVs, such because the Ioniq 5 and 6, already supply them.
One other first for the Kona: two battery sizes choices. The usual battery holds 48.6kWh of energy for 197 miles of vary. The bigger, 64.8kWh battery may have 260 miles of vary. (Each vary estimates are in line with Hyundai inner estimates and are awaiting EPA finalization).
For reference, the present 2023 Kona Electrical additionally travels round 260 miles on a single cost, so the most important change right here is the addition of a smaller battery possibility reasonably than a bigger one. Hyundai has not revealed value for both model but.
Drivers can precondition the battery to enhance efficiency in colder temperatures. At night time, a brand new charging door mild illuminates the port. The bigger battery costs from 10-80% in 43 minutes on a public, 400-volt quick charger, which is customary for an EV of its value and battery measurement.
The cabin is roomier than its predecessor. “The entrance seats are 30% slimmer to maximise rear passenger legroom and the second row Curveless Bench Seat additionally enhances out there house,” Hyundai says. “Much more, a two-stage latching system permits rear seat reclining.”
Hyundai additionally simplified the cockpit by relocating driver controls to the steering wheel, releasing up room for a brand new “multi-use heart console storage space with rotational cupholder design.”
Hyundai will proceed to supply a gas-powered variant, plus sporty model (N Line). However in what Hyundai notes is an “unconventional transfer,” it designed the car to be optimized for electrical driving. The gas-powered variants will swap an engine into the identical physique.
“For the 2024 Kona, Hyundai transitioned from a standard ICE-to-EV platform growth course of and adopted an EV-to-ICE growth course of,” Hyundai says. “With a drag coefficient of simply 0.27, the brand new Kona Electrical excels at aerodynamic efficiency with out sacrificing fashion.”
Going electric-first units the stage for Hyundai’s dedication to launch 11 new EVs globally by 2030. The gas-powered model hits sellers first, arriving this summer season, adopted by the Kona Electrical in “late fall,” Hyundai says.
The electrical model has an additional set of headlights, a grid of small squares that stretch throughout the entrance in addition to the rear. Hyundai calls it the “pixelated seamless horizon lamp.”
The 2023 Kona Electrical begins at $33,500, making it one of the crucial reasonably priced EVs in the marketplace. Hyundai autos don’t qualify for the federal tax credit score since they’re manufactured overseas, however state incentives might apply.
With the inclusion of a smaller battery pack possibility, it is going to be fascinating to see if Hyundai retains the $33,500 beginning value just for the smaller battery or if it gives a good cheaper model.
