Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the versatile SUV, the All-New Kona Electric, through the “All-New Kona World Premiere Video” on March 7, showcasing its key specifications while providing eco-friendliness and practicality for various customer lifestyles.
In the video released that day, Hyundai presented the Kona Electric’s innovative product value by seamlessly displaying its appeal, continuing the electrification leadership they have built with the Ioniq.
The Kona Electric is expected to achieve a class-leading driving range of over 410 km on a single charge, equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery and a 150 kW motor, based on domestic Ministry of Industry certification standards. (※ Based on an AER 17-inch tire)
Additionally, the new Kona was designed as an electric vehicle model from the very early stages of its design, inheriting the unique character of the existing model while embodying a futuristic image that is unique to electric vehicles.
The Kona Electric presents Hyundai’s next-generation SUV design direction through its robust yet futuristic design.
The exterior of the Kona Electric inherits the unique character of the existing model while incorporating new design elements including a horizontal lamp mixed with pixel characteristics above Hyundai’s new lighting design, a dynamic and sleek silhouette through the character line on the side, armor-shaped wheel arch cladding, and sporty features accentuated by the integrated spoiler and brake lights, completing a bold and wide exterior.
The sleek and refined shape from the bumper to the hood highlights the pure volume of the Kona Electric while playing a key role in achieving an excellent aerodynamic coefficient of 0.27 compared to other SUVs in its class.
The interior features a panoramic display that integrates a 12.3-inch cluster and a 12.3-inch navigation system, a crash pad designed for maximum horizontal space, an electronic shift lever (column type) moved to the steering wheel, a neatly organized console space, mood lighting designed considering interior storage space, and a flat floor in the second row, providing an advanced mobility experience tailored to diverse customer lifestyles.
The Kona Electric has been designed with enhanced crash safety standards in mind, reinforcing the door openings and center pillars, applying front side dual member structures, and utilizing high-strength hot-stamping materials for the rear floor member to prioritize passenger safety in unforeseen accidents.
Hyundai has equipped the Kona Electric with vital safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and other core specifications of Hyundai SmartSense.
Additionally, the vehicle is loaded with various safety and convenience features, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-R), and a host of advanced driving technologies.
Furthermore, the Kona Electric features interior and exterior V2L (Vehicle to Load), electric vehicle active sound design, a smart regenerative braking system, and i-PEDAL, enhancing its product value.
Hyundai has introduced a highly efficient heat pump that utilizes the powertrain’s waste heat for heating and a high-voltage PTC heater that actively regulates the power output to create an optimized climate control system for electric vehicles, ensuring no unpleasant odors from the air conditioning system through the application of an after blower.
Moreover, a charging door heating system has been applied to prevent customer inconveniences that may occur in winter, and a 27ℓ front trunk has been added for additional storage, maximizing the utility of the electric vehicle.
The Kona Electric features wireless (OTA, Over-the-Air) software updates, next-generation infotainment systems (ccNC), built-in camera 2, and payment functionalities through the e hi-pass that eliminate the need for physical cards, setting a new standard in its class.
Alongside this, advanced convenience features such as a head-up display, digital key 2 touch that allows driving without a vehicle key, a smart power tailgate, and air purification linked to a fine dust sensor are also included.
The ccNC system installed in the Kona Electric showcases the new EV dedicated mode, making it easy to check and control EV-related information and functions at a glance.
The newly implemented EV dedicated mode includes features such as ‘minimizing interior light’ to reduce glare discomfort during camping, ‘battery conditioning’ to keep the rapid charging performance at its peak, ‘climate control optimization based on driving distance’ to adjust climate control based on the driving range left, and an ‘EV route planner’ that analyzes battery levels and distance to the destination to guide to optimal charging stations if necessary.
A Hyundai representative stated, “The All-New Kona Electric has been developed as a versatile all-weather model based on an expanded space, increased luxury, and improved usability, and we aim to strengthen our leadership in the electric vehicle market, building on what we have accomplished with the Ioniq.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai plans to unveil the Kona Electric’s actual vehicle for the first time to customers at the upcoming ‘2023 Seoul Mobility Show’.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr