Hyundai Kona Electric silently makes public debut in India

The Hyundai Kona Electric was showcased at the launch of Hyundai Motor India's 'Brilliant Kids Motorshow' earlier today. While the EV was showcased at the MOVE summit in September this year, it was only today that it was displayed publicly.

From the looks of it, Hyundai Motor India plans to introduce the Kona Electric in a base or mid-spec trim, which lacks goodies like sat-nav, advanced driver assistance systems, head-up display and leather upholstery among others. It features the entry-level 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system instead of the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system available in the range-topping configuration.

Globally, the Hyundai Kona Electric has been available with two powertrain options. The more affordable variant, which is the version rumoured to be India-bound, gets its power from an electric motor that produces 136 PS and 395 Nm of torque. This motor draws its juice from a 39.2 kWh battery pack that provides a driving range of 312 km on the WLTP cycle (345 km NEDC converted). A 7.2 kW onboard charger can be used to replenish the battery pack through AC in 6 hours and 10 minutes. 80% of the battery can be recharged in just 54 minutes using a 100 kW faster charger.

The electric motor of the more expensive version produces a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 395 Nm. It draws its juice from a 64 kWh battery pack, which offers a driving range of 482 km on the WLTP cycle (546 km NEDC converted). The higher capacity battery can be entirely recharged in 9 hours and 35 minutes through AC. A 100 kW fast charger can be used to charge the battery to 80% capacity in 75 minutes.

Also See - Upcoming Hyundai Cars in India

The Hyundai Kona Electric will launch in India in July 2019. Its launch will follow the introduction of the Maruti Vitara Brezza-rivaling Styx (QXi) sub-compact SUV. The EV is likely to cost roughly INR 25 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be brought to India via the CKD route and will be assembled in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Initially, the company plans to sell around 50 units a month.

*NEDC converted

[Image Source- gaadiwaadi.com]