You know the Kona, a sporty SUV with slightly odd-ball looks, will now have an EV counterpart. With the phrase ‘electric vehicle’ dominating the mouths of car fans in Malaysia these days, it is only apt that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors introduce the Hyundai Kona Electric. Prices for Kona Electric is estimated to start under RM150,000 for the basic model.
Two different zero-emission battery-electric powertrains will be available for Kona Electric. The first is a long-range 64kWh battery with a maximum range of 484km. The second variant comes with a 39.3kWh battery with a driving range of 305km. Both Kona Electrics are measured using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP) with a single charge.
Both the Kona Electric 64kWh and 39.2kWh battery variants feature an electric motor that delivers a maximum power of 204PS (150 kW) and 395Nm of immediate torque. The SUV EV accelerates to 100kph from standstill in 7.9 seconds with full power coming in at the first second.
Charging the lithium-ion polymer battery from 10 to 80 per cent only takes about 47 minutes using a 100kW direct current (DC) fast charger. The Kona Electric features an optional 11-kW three-phase onboard charger. This allows for significantly shorter charging times using public three-phase AC charging stations or with a private compatible wall box at home. Drivers also have the option of charging their car at a compatible regular household power socket using the ICCB-cable (in-cable control box).
Naturally, the Kona Electric will run with its own design. Because there are no running parts that need cooling under the bonnet, the Kona Electric’s fascia is all covered up to reduce wind resistance. New bumpers, lamps, wheel design and colours set Kona Electric apart from the petrol-powered version. The signature claddings have been refined and are now in body colour, thus emphasising the model’s width and stance. Low, U-shaped skid plate and new DRL design also improve the styling of the Kona.
The interior shouldn’t differ from the other variant. The Kona Electric maintains the features of a progressive design with a new horizontal layout and new ambient lighting technology in the foot area.
You can book Kona Electric on Hyundai’s online shopping platform. Will you be embracing the electric revolution?
