Hyundai has launched the Kona EV at Rs. 25.3 lakh

Hyundai has launched its first all-electric product for the Indian market, the Kona EV at Rs. 25.3 lakh(ex-showroom) with a dual-tone colour variant available for an additional Rs. 20,000. With a driving range of 452km(ARAI certified) on a single charge, it has the highest range among all EVs on sale in India. The EV gets a lithium-ion battery pack with 39.2kWh capacity and a claimed 0-100kmph time of 9.7 seconds courtesy the 395Nm of torque. The onboard charger on the Kona features a 2.6kW rate of charge. An 80 per cent charge can be achieved in 57 minutes with the DC quick charger while a Level-II charger(supplied with the car) would take 6 hours and 10 minutes. The Kona offers four driving modes Eco+, Eco, Comfort and Sport with Sport mode prioritising performance over range and Eco and Eco+ trying to conserve range using regenerative braking and lower amounts of power and torque available to the driver.

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The Hyundai Kona gets LED headlamps that flank what would have been a grille in an ICE car. The space for the grille is now filled up with the charging port and a design element that stretches across the whole length of the grille. The sides too are decidedly futuristic, with the 17inch tyres with lightweight alloys stealing the spotlight. The smooth lines along the sides lead to the rear that beautifully marries the hatch and the LED taillamp setup.

The Kona EV gets a host of creature comforts on the inside as well. The Shift-by-wire drive controls open up lots of space on the inside and results in what is certainly a very open and spacious cabin. The17.77cm standard touchscreen infotainment display supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with voice recognition built in. The seats and the steering wheel are leather wrapped and the dash gets soft-touch materials. The information cluster in keeping with the Kona’s futuristic focus is fully digital as well. The paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking allowing the driver to drive using just the one pedal unless when coming to a complete stop.

Buyers will be provided with two chargers with the car, a portable charger and an AC wall box charger. Hyundai has promised that all its Hyundai Electric dealers(15 dealers across 11 cities) will have a fast charger installed at their premises. Besides, Hyundai is working with IOCL to set up charging infrastructure at several fuel stations across the country. Hyundai along with its partner Allianz worldwide will provide installation support for buyers at their respective homes as well. Hyundai is offering a three year/ unlimited km warranty on the Kona and the battery pack will have an 8-year/ 160,000km warranty.

The Hyundai Kona makes its entry into India as a CKD and hence the price tag. The phenomenal range, however, could make it a great proposition for those on the lookout for a premium SUV in the Rs. 20-30lakh price range.

Read about the ed’s first drive review of the Hyundai Kona EV here