Hyundai Kona EV

Step inside the cabin and you’d be wowed by the modern and tech-full dashboard. The 7-inch instrument cluster is fully digital and shows a streamlined visual of the pertinent vehicle information to the driver. On the same line of sight to the left is an 8-inch infotainment system that comes with connectivity features. Cubbies, pockets, and cup holders are strategically placed around the interior to keep things organized. Seats are well cushioned with upholstery options between woven fabric, leather, or a combination of both. And though the front seats are commendable, the rear seat is not as spectacular. Albeit the knee room is fine, the seats themselves are ideal for two adult passengers. It is also important to point out that since the battery pack is located at the bottom rear, the floor is a bit elevated which lessens under-thigh support for adults but won’t be a problem for children.

The Hyundai Kona EV shares the same design concept with its petroleum-fueled siblings but with very glaring design distinctions to make it stand out. Most obvious of it is the front grille which is closed and unframed that announces its electric power train. The twin headlights are fully LED with the daytime running lights connected by a chrome strip with the Hyundai badge at the center for a distinct look. Aerodynamic creases on the front bumper continuous on the side. Black trim molding wraps at the lower bottom for a two-tone effect. At the rear are LED taillights, fog lamps, electric badge, roof spoiler with stop lamp, and sharks fin antenna. There’s also a standard roof rail to complete the sporty SUV look. This Hyundai electric rides on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55R17 rubber and measures 4,180 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in seven vibrant color options: Chalk White, Pulse Red, Acid Yellow, Galactic Gray, Ceramic Blue, Dark Knight, and Tangerine Comet.

The Kona is fun to drive. The electric motor is very responsive and can deliver power once you step your foot to the pedal. The push-button shift gear makes it even easier to drive. The suspension system that uses a combination of MacPherson strut at the front and multi-link at the rear gives ample cushioning for a smooth ride on the city. When it comes to riding comfort, the Kona EV satisfy for short drives. The front seat is comfortable enough with ample leg space and shoulder space. The same could not be said on the cramped rear seats. Unless your passengers are children or young adults, the rear seat is not ideal for three grown adults to seat on. But in sum, as a family vehicle, this Kona can do the job of getting people from point to point anywhere in the city and nearby areas. It is not, however, ideal for driving on long out-of-town weekend trips especially with the lack of readily available charging facilities.

The Kona Electric is powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) engine capable of delivering 204 Ps of maximum power and 395 Nm of peak torque. The electric mill is partnered to a button type shift-by-wire that allows the driver to switch between drive, neutral, and reverse. Electronic park control is also found in the electronic gear shift button and regenerative braking control in the paddle shifter. This electric vehicle can go from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 167 km/h.

The Kona Electric comes with two battery pack options— 64.0 kWh or a 39.2 kWh battery. Locally, however, only the 64.0 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with 170 kW power output and 356 voltage is available. Charging time varies from about an hour for fast charging and nine and a half hour for normal charging. A fully charged Kona EV has a driving range of 482 km based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) which provides figures closer to real-world driving behavior. However, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) gave the Kona Electric a much higher driving range at 546 km while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the US Department of Energy gave it a range of 415 km.

When it comes to safety features, the Hyundai Kona Electric comes complete with six airbags—front, side, and curtain. It also comes with a keyless entry system with push start button, cruise control, hill-start assist control (HAC), electronic stability control (ESC). In terms of braking power, this Hyundai EV is equipped with smart regenerative braking technology. An adjustable braking system that uses an onboard radar sensor that automatically controls the level of regenerative braking as a proactive response to traffic. It can also detect if the vehicle is driving uphill or downhill and adjust braking power accordingly. The regenerative brake can be manually manipulated using the paddle shifters to get the optimum braking response. The Kona has an electronic parking brake

and anti-lock braking system (ABS) that works simultaneously with the smart regenerative braking technology.

The Hyundai Kona Electric is no doubt a great family vehicle that is full of tech and eco-friendly. However, as of the moment, the lack of infrastructure to support electric vehicles means that this EV can’t be your only car. You still can’t wander off as far as traditional and hybrid vehicles until the government or the petroleum industry steps up in support of this shift to electric by adding charging outlets to their stations.