Hyundai introduced the Kona EV as the first all-electric SUV in India and it has ARAI-certified range of 452 km on a single charge
Comparing the newly launched Hyundai Kona Electric and the Elite i20 is like pitting night and day against each other. One is a pure electric SUV and the other is a conventional IC-engined hatchback. However, the comparison does make for some interesting outcomes. The Kona Electric is not really a spacious SUV and it measures a length of 4,180 mm, width of 1,800 mm and height of 1,570 mm.
The premium hatchback, on the other hand, is 3,985 mm long, 1,734 mm wide and stands 1,505 mm tall. The Kona EV is about 195 mm longer, 66 mm wider and 65 mm taller than the Elite i20 and on the wheelbase side, the latter is only 30 mm shorter. The Elite i20 has 2,570 mm wheelbase and the Kona EV has it at 2,600 mm.
| Specifications | Hyundai Kona | Elite i20 |
| Length | 4,180 mm | 3,985 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,734 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 172 mm | 170 mm |
| Boot Space | 334 litres | 285 litres |
The Kona Electric has unladen ground clearance of 172 mm and the Elite i20 has it at 170 mm. When the rear seats are in place, the zero-emission SUV offers only 334 litres of bootspace due to the understandable packaging of the battery and other hardware.
Meanwhile, the Elite i20’s luggage carrying capacity of 285 litres is only 49 litres fewer than that of the electric vehicle. The eco-friendly Kona is priced at Rs. 25.3 lakh while the range-topping Elite i20 costs Rs. 9.31 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom).
By being a CKD model and the availability of advanced electrical components, the Kona EV costs nearly thrice as much as the conventional Elite i20 hatchback. Hyundai has reported plans for introducing an affordable electric vehicle for local customers within the next two to three years, as the ‘Smart EV’ project was said to have given green light.
Hyundai is focussing on bringing in 44 eco-friendly models by the middle of next decade and 23 electric vehicles as it is swiftly working on transformation towards green mobility globally. The said affordable mass-market EV needs to have characteristics of both the Elite i20 and Kona EV. The practicality of the Elite i20 combined with the driving range of EV could be ideal for success.
Will Hyundai position the electric vehicle below Rs. 15 lakh and have range of more than 200 km to attract customers? It is too early to predict at this moment!