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Hyundai Kona EV For India Revealed Inside And Out; Launch Mid Next Year

Published by
Surendhar M

Hyundai Kona EV could use the 39 kW battery pack to return claimed electric range of around 312 km; will launch after QXi subcompact SUV

Rolling on the momentum created by new Santro, Hyundai is all set to make a huge statement next year with a slew of launches. Chief among them are the Qxi subcompact SUV addressing the hotly contested segment led by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the company’s first ever EV to grace India based on the Kona.

Hyundai brought in Kona into the international arena with plenty of expectations and it has succeeded in its own merit. Capitalising on its popularity and to act as a future technology showcase, the second largest automaker in the country is all prepared to launch the electric version of Kona by the middle of 2019.

The brand’s intention with eco-friendly mobility for India was clear ever since it displayed the Nexo FCEV at the India-Korean Business Summit in New Delhi back in February 2018. The Kona EV, on the other hand, made its local debut at the MOVE Summit in September and it has now been showcased at the Brilliant kids Motor Show 2018.

Evident with the launch plans, Hyundai had already been spotted testing the Kona EV on Indian roads. In global markets, the e-SUV is sold in two battery options – 39 kW and 64 kW. The former is claimed to have range of around 312 km while the latter has electric range of around 480 km on a single charge.

The low capacity battery pack is expected to be introduced in India and it has a top speed of 155 kmph and zero to 100 kmph acceleration time of just under 10 seconds. In overseas, the 39 kW Li-ion battery pack can be charged from empty to 80 percent in just 54 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger.

However, it may take a little more than 6 hours to attain the same charge percentage using a standard AC unit. As you can see in the images posted here, the electrified Kona does offer a number of styling changes compared to the regular model. It gains a confined front grille, ‘electric’ badge at the boot, charging provision and 17-inch wheels accompanying the obvious lack of exhaust tips.

Compared to the IC-engined Kona SUV, the electric variant has 41 litres less bootspace while the battery is packed into the platform aiding in low centre of gravity without affecting interior space. The interior boasts a seven-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, eight-way adjustable front seats, blue illumination for instrument binnacle, centre stack with various operable buttons and cup holders, aluminium pedals, silver accents on the AC vents, steering mounted controls, etc.

We can expect it to feature a suite of driver assistance and safety equipment including autonomous emergency braking. Hyundai will introduce the Kona EV following the debut of QXi in mid-2019 as Puneet Anand Senior General Manager (Marketing) & Group Head at HMIL has confirmed to us.

The Kona EV will be brought into the country via CKD route and assembled locally at the brand’s Sriperumbudur plant on the outskirts of Chennai. Expect it to be retailed in limited numbers, as it’s not a volume-based product, with speculated prices starting at around Rs. 25 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Kona EV Images

Published by
Surendhar M