Hyundai Kona Electric SUV Spotted Testing In India

It has been confirmed by Hyundai that the Kona EV, a Creta-sized compact SUV, is projected to be launched in India by the second half of 2019. Now, spotted testing in India, it is expected to be released into Indian auto market ahead of schedule. Painted white, the Kona does not look like an EV, but its designing features can arouse interest at first sight. The Kona EV would be on sale in certain cities only, including Mumbai and Delhi, and would be sold through selected dealers, too.

Recently, a Hyundai Kona EV was spotted testing in public roads in India

The global-spec Hyundai Kona is equipped with two battery options: 39kW and 64kW; the model expected to arrive in India is the former. With a 312-kilometre range in a single charge, the 39kW Hyundai Honda is appropriate for the Indian auto market. Under the driving conditions in India, it would have a range of approximately 250km per charge. The other EVs currently being sold in India, the eVerito Mahindra and e2o Plus, both have a range of less than 200km after being fully charged. The Kona base variant’s electric engine can churn out 134bhp of max power and 395Nm of peak torque, which helps the vehicle reach the highest speed of 155km/h. In the meantime, the 64kW higher-spec variant can travel for 482 kilometres per charge and deliver 204bhp and 395Nm.

Hyundai Kona EV runs on two battery options: 39kW and 64kW

Both of the battery packs take only about 50 minutes to be charged up to 80% if you use a 100kW DC fast charging technology. If a normal charger is used, it takes up to more than six hours. Hyundai is also expected to establish a charging station network in big cities.

In terms of the exterior, the Hyundai Kona EV to be launched in India is likely to look similar to the global-spec version and comes with the aero-friendly 17-inch alloy wheels with five spokes. The design idea is borrowed from that of the most recent Hyundai car models with a unique grille-free front, which has been equipped with a panel for a charging socket. All of these contribute to the attractive appearance of the vehicle.

Hyundai Kona EV goes with no grille to give way to a charging socket

As regards the interior, the most outstanding Kona EV’s feature might be a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital instrument console, electrically adjusted seats among a wide range of features. The Hyundai Kona EV is expected to leave the customers with no worry about safety with such features as multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking system, driver attention warning, adjustable autocruise, pedestrian detection system, lane assist, etc.

Hyundai Kona EV is equipped with a wide range of friendly interior features

The Hyundai Kona EV is likely to be a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit and will be assembled in India. It might be priced at Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). It has been confirmed by Hyundai that the Kona EV will be one of the six vehicles to be launched in India by 2020 by the company. However, whether Kona will be provided in diesel or petrol variants in India remains to be uncertain.

Hyundai Kona EV will be priced at Rs 25 lakh with no direct rival

It is expected that infrastructure solutions like home charging kit are going to be provided by Hyundai to reduce the time for charging the vehicles. But whether the charging kit will be part of the price of the car still remains to be unconfirmed by the South Korean automaker.  Hyundai will introduce limited numbers of the Kona EV to the Indian auto market and consider the market response. Currently, there are no direct rivals against the Kona EV, which can be considered an advantage, but whether the clean version of Hyundai Kona would be welcomed in a market which is highly conscious of mileage and price like the Indian one is something that can only be seen in the future. 

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