Medium SUV shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to electric options. Here we compare the popular BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y to see which one makes sense for you.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: price and specs
The Hyundai Kona Electric small SUV has been reinvented for its second generation, creating a vehicle which Hyundai says is more refined, more spacious and loaded with technology.
On sale now and costing almost $6000 less than the launch price of the original 2019 Kona Elite EV, the new Hyundai Kona Electric SUV offers driving range up to 505km (WLTP) and is capable of fast-charging in just 45 minutes.
Two specification levels are available in the new Hyundai Kona EV range – Kona Electric and Kona Electric Premium.
Hyundai Kona Electric is available with a choice of two motors. A 99kW motor draws power from a 48.6 kWh battery while a larger 150kW motor is paired with a 64.8 kWh battery. The higher spec KONA Electric Premium, is available exclusively with the larger motor and battery.
How much does the new Hyundai Kona EV cost?
The 99kW KONA Electric costs $54,000 plus on-road costs, around $6000 more than the larger BYD Atto 3.
The larger 150kW motor and extended range battery will cost $58,000 for the entry model and $68,000 for the Kona Electric Premium.
Metallic paint costs $595 for all models while capped price servicing applies to all models and is set at $520 for the first three services. Service intervals are 30,000kms or 24 months, whichever comes first.
All Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles are backed by a 5 year unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and an 8 year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty.
The new Hyundai Kona Electric features a new 12-inch display. Image: Supplied
What’s new on the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a fully electric version of the second generation Kona, the petrol variants having been updated mid-last year
The Kona is larger than the outgoing model, increasing legroom and headroom in the second row and adding extra storage capacity with the boot space extended by 33 litres to 407L.
Clever repackaging of the interior, including a reduction in the depth of the front row seats by 30 per cent, and removal of the drivetrain tunnel have delivered additional cabin space and volume. In the rear, the extra space adds 127L to the cargo area with the second-row seats folded. A frunk has been included for the first time on the Kona Electric, giving an additional 27L storage space – enough to save a small grocery shop from sliding around in the boot.
Hyundai Kona’s interior and exterior styling has been developed around a future forward EV styling with the use of LEDs and graphic lighting creating a unique look for the compact SUV.
New Kona is available six colours, the only non-premium paints are Atlas White and Mirage Green. All other paint colours are charged at a premium while a unique Mica paint, Meta Blue is available on Premium models.
Standard features on all Kona Electric models include dual-zone climate control, Vehicle To Load power outlet, wireless smartphone charger, heat pump cabin heating and battery conditioning.
Premium models add 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, Head Up Display (HUD), BOSE™ eight-speaker premium audio, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), wide glass sunroof, and a smart power tailgate.
The Hyundai Kona Electric Premium is longer and more spacious. Image: Supplied
What is the range of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric?
- Hyundai Kona Electric 99kW motor and 48.6kWh battery - 370km (WLTP)
- Hyundai Kona Electric 150kW motor and 64.8kWh battery (17-inch wheel) – 505km (WLTP)
- Hyundai Kona Electric Premium 150kW motor and 64.8kWh battery (19-inch wheel) – 444km (WLTP)
How long will it take to charge a Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric can recharge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 45 minutes when connected to a 100kW DC fast charger, or in 65 minutes via a 50kW charger.
How safe is the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric?
The 2024 Kona Electric includes Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety suite, which includes forward collision alert with detection for motorcycles and smart cruise control with stop and go, and machine learning.
The machine learning function uses artificial intelligence to learn a driver’s patterns and habits such as following distance, acceleration, and reaction speeds to tailor the cruise control experience to the driver’s own style.
Offering added technology, premium variants include Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse, a Blind Spot View Monitor, and a 3D Surround View Monitor.
Hyundai Kona was recently tested by ANCAP and scored 4 stars out of a possible 5. In the areas of Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist, where thresholds of 70 per cent apply to qualify for five stars, the Hyundai Kona range scored 64 per cent and 62 per cent in these areas respectively.
While ‘Good’ performance was recorded by the Kona’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with regard to motorcycles, it was scored ‘Adequate’ for both the AEB system’s response to pedestrians and cyclists, and its emergency lane keeping system.
The Hyundai Bluelink App. Image: Supplied
What infotainment systems are included on the Hyundai Kona Electric?
Both Hyundai Electric and Hyundai Electric Premium include a standard dual 12.3-inch digital cluster and multimedia displays.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, while voice control adds additional functionality.
Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services offer calendar integration and can update the vehicle over-the-air. Bluelink also offers connected satellite navigation with live traffic updates and is available at no cost for the first 5 years of new vehicle ownership and can be transferred to subsequent owners during that period.
Bluelink also offers EV-specific features allowing the driver to set charging times and climate control based on electricity tariffs or departure time. Energy consumption is available via the Bluelink app, while an alarm can alert the driver 30, 20 or 10 minutes prior to completion.
Can the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric tow?
The second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric extended range is now able to tow, offering a 750kg braked towing capacity. The Kona comes pre-wired from the factory for ease of towbar installation.
Reflecting the need for a more robust approach to Australian roads, Hyundai has replaced the tyre inflator kit with a space saver spare wheel and tyre as standard for new Kona Electric vehicles.
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