Hyundai details Kona BEV specifications

HYUNDAI has detailed the specifications of its forthcoming second-generation Kona Electric small SUV, claiming more than 490km of range from a revised battery electric drivetrain delivering up to 160kW of power and 255Nm of torque.

Due to go on sale later this year, the new Hyundai Kona Electric will feature standard- and long-range battery capacities of up to 65.4kWh, giving the model what Hyundai says is “class-leading all-electric range”.

For comparison, Hyundai claims the outgoing Kona Electric can travel up to 484km on a single charge of the 64kWh battery pack, while the powertrain’s outputs are 150kW and 395Nm.

Hyundai’s all-electric Kona will go on sale alongside hybrid and internal combustion models, and with sporty N Line models also available.

The battery electric model also promises over-the-air (OTA) software updates, 27 litres of ‘frunk’ storage, active air flaps for improved efficiency, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, a head-up display, a one-pedal driving mode with smart regenerative braking facility, connected-car navigation, a Bose premium sound system and a comprehensive list of standard safety features.

Inside, the all-new Kona offers more space than before, as well as a substantial increase in technology and connectivity features.

Dual 12.3-inch panoramic screens handle infotainment and instrumentation duties while Hyundai’s SmartSense array of advanced driver assistance technologies provide Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, blind spot view monitor, surround view camera, remote smart parking assistance, driver status monitor and more.

The Electric variant measures 4355mm in length (+175mm), 1825mm in width (+25mm) and 1575mm in height (+20mm), and rides on a 2660mm wheelbase (+60mm).

Its increased size takes front seat headroom to 1015mm, front shoulder-room to 1435mm and front legroom to 1059mm, with rear seat passengers now benefiting from 972mm of headroom, 1402mm shoulder-room and 925mm of legroom. The shift-by-wire gear selector also frees up more centre console space.

Hyundai says the Kona’s front-row seats have been designed to help alleviate driving fatigue while the ‘curveless’ second-row bench “maximises habitability” with a two-stage reclining function.

There is said to be more space in the cargo area too, now ranging from 466 to 723 litres (SAE).

Importantly, the Kona has been engineered as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the get-go, giving designers greater scope to tailor the model to BEV requirements. The process has not only elicited greater interior space from the model, but also a more aerodynamic body that cheats the air to the tune of 0.27Cd.

The streamlined shape of the new Kona is said to contribute to a driving range of “over 490km” in long-range configuration, the higher-spec model offering a 65.4kWh battery and front-drive 160kW/255Nm motor.

A standard range option includes a 48.4kWh battery and 115kW/255Nm motor. Hyundai did not provide a range estimate for the model.

Unlike Ioniq 5 and 6 novels based on the 800-volt E-GMP dedicated BEV architecture, the Kona’s charging capacity maxes out at 400V (DC), giving the battery a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 41 minutes (six minutes quicker than the outgoing long range variant that has a 356V, 64kWh battery pack).

The Hyundai Kona BEV will be offered in 19 paint colours, including Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White, Serenity White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Engine Red, Ultimate Red Metallic, Soultronic Orange Pearl, Jupiter Orange Metallic, Neoteric Yellow, Mirage Green, Amazon Grey Metallic, Cypress Green Pearl, Meta Blue Pearl, Denim Blue Pearl, Denim Blue Matte and Sailing Blue Pearl, with the last three scheduled to start production in November 2023.

Interior colour options include Black Mono, Grey Two-Tone, Black and Sage Green, Black and Beige, Black and Red Point (N Line only), Dark Grey Mono (Eco Pack only).

“Kona Electric will play a major role alongside our Ioniq models in reinforcing Hyundai’s EV leadership,” said Hyundai Motor Company CEO and president, Jaehoon Chang.

“The new model builds on the great reputation of the first-generation Kona Electric and is designed and engineered to lead the competition with its many outstanding features.

“At Hyundai, we don’t see the EV revolution as just the latest trend. We believe it is a pivot point for not only the industry but also for society.

“Through the implementation of eco-friendly mobility solution like our EVs, we hope to speed the transition to clean mobility and make progress for humanity.”

Local pricing and specifications for the Hyundai Kona range will be announced close to the model’s Australian launch.