India gets its first global series-production EV in the form of the all-new Hyundai Kona Electric launched from Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact SUV that’s making its mark internationally. The Hyundai Kona is an SUV we’d hoped to see arrive in India and, now, it’s here and it’s electric.
With the Hyundai Kona electric SUV, the company will boast of an extensive line-up of SUVs which includes the recently launched Venue, alongside the Creta and Tucson. Company executives also confirmed that an updated version of the Hyundai Tucson will be making its way to our markets later this year. Hyundai are also in the process of refreshing their hatchback models and will be introducing the 2019 Hyundai i10 during the festive season in the coming months.
Also read: Hyundai Creta Long Term Review
Coming back to the Hyundai Kona Electric connected car, the Korean major has allocated 1,000 units of the electric SUV for India to start with. And depending on the demand they might look at increasing this figure. The Hyundai Kona Electric will be imported to India as CKD (completely knocked down) units which will be assembled at Hyundai’s car manufacturing plant in Chennai.
Internationally, the Hyundai Kona Electric is available in two variants – Electric and Electric Lite. We get the more affordable Electric Lite. The 4.2-metre long Hyundai Kona Electric Lite comes with a 39.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and makes 100 kW (136 PS) and 395 Nm, and claims to have a driving range of 312 km on a single charge. Each car will come with charging units which will be an easy install at the owner’s garage. These are regular chargers, and not fast charger, which takes about 10 to 12 hours to fully charge the Hyundai Kona.
Also read: Hyundai Kona Electric Drive Report
Hyundai are said to be aiming to sell about 50 units of the Kona every month as it will only be available at select dealerships in major Indian cities. A dual-tone colour scheme is also on offer for Rs 20,000 over the standard price. Hyundai India will be providing the necessary wallbox charger free with every Kona EV. Additional charging facilities, such as vehicle-to-vehicle charging, will be introduced as well.
