Hyundai Kona Electric launched at ₹ 25.30 lakh

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) officially becomes the first manufacturer to launch the country's first fully-electric SUV, the Kona Electric. Launched at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹ 25.30 lakh, Hyundai has priced the Kona Electric very aggressively indeed.

The much-awaited Kona Electric SUV has been launched in India at an introductory price of ₹ 25.30 lakh.

First shown at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, the Kona Electric is available in two versions globally. However, HMIL has introduced a single, standard-range derivative here. It is driven by a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), which draws its power from a liquid-cooled 39.2kWh Li-ion battery pack. The performance figures are pegged at 134bhp & 395Nm of torque and keeping in mind that an EV offers 100 per cent of the available torque from the word go, the Kona Electric can do its 0-100km/h dash in 9.7 seconds. Keeping the performance figures aside, the Kona's main highlight is the fact that it gets an ARAI-certified driving range of 452km, 3km more than its international WLTP-certified range of 449km. To learn more about its driving dynamics, you can read the Hyundai Kona EV Review: First Drive.

Inside, the Kona EV offers all-digital instrumentation, as it gets a 7-inch floating infotainment touchscreen and an instrument cluster of the same size. The Kona EV also ditches the conventional gear shifter for an electronic shift-by-wire setup, with dedicated buttons for each gear. By using the one-touch paddle shifters, the driver can take control of the four levels of the regenerative braking system, for better efficiency. A long-press of the left paddle shifter can bring the Kona Electric to a halt, without the intervention of the brake pedal.

For effective battery management, which is a crucial aspect of any EV, Hyundai has given the Kona Electric four driving modes: ECO, ECO+, COMFORT & SPORT. While the ECO mode offers maximum charge conservation, the SPORT mode unleashes maximum performance. Further, features like 'Smart Eco Pedal Guide', Utility Mode & Driver-Only Air Con offer even more ways to maximise the driving range of the Kona Electric.

The Kona Electric can be charged through three different methods: A Level III 100kW DC fast charger can provide up to 80 per cent of charge in less than an hour. The next is through a Level II Regular AC charger, which can charge the battery completely in about 6 hours. The third charging option is a Level 1 AC portable charger (slowest of the three), capable of providing a 50km driving range in about three hours.

In terms of styling, the Kona EV looks quite different from its hybrid and ICE-powered derivatives, thanks to a closed-off front grille and aerodynamically-optimised 17-inch alloy wheels. However, the entire Kona model family has the twin-headlight design and LED taillights in common. The feature list of the Kona Electric includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Assist Control (HAC), an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, 10-way power-assist driver's seat, a rear parking camera, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), etc.

To ensure that the Kona Electric also leads the way in terms of EV adoption in the country, HMIL will offer the Kona Electric with a 3-Year/Unlimited Km standard warranty, while the battery pack will carry an 8-Year/1,60,000Km warranty. Further, each Kona Electric will be offered with a Level II AC wall-mounted charger & a Level I portable charger from the company (along with third-party installation support) at no extra cost and a 24*7 Roadside Assistance (RSA) subscription.

HMIL has also tied-up with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to set up DC fast-charge stations at IOC's select fuel stations in some cities.