Hyundai Motor India has pulled the plug on one of its two electric offerings in our market – the Kona EV, nearly 5 years after the company launched the model. Initially introduced in 2019 at Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Kona EV was the country's first fully-electric SUV from Hyundai. It received a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering the front axle-mounted electric motor (131bhp/395Nm). The EV had a stated 57-minute charge time from 0 to 80 per cent using a 50kW DC charger, and offered an ARAI-certified range of 452km on a single charge.
Though the Kona Electric had impressive specifications for an electric vehicle, it unfortunately didn't see much success in terms of sales thanks to its outdated crossover design and interior. In about five years, Hyundai could sell only 2,329 units of the Kona EV in India. The Kona EV was assembled in India via CKD (completely knocked down) kits.
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Hyundai Creta EV: Successor to Kona EV?
Hyundai India hasn't revealed the reason behind this move. However, it could be done to replace the Kona EV with the upcoming Creta EV. Plus, no rumours are floating around that claim that Hyundai will bring the next-generation Kona Electric to the domestic market, even though the model has already transitioned to a second generation elsewhere.
Spotted on multiple occasions, the Creta EV will be launched in India in January 2025. The Creta EV is Hyundai India's first mass-market EV, which will be manufactured at the company's Chennai plant. It will enter production in the country by the end of this year and, since it shares many bits (design elements, platform) with the internal combustion engine-powered Creta, we expect Hyundai to build its upcoming EV alongside the standard Creta to keep costs in check.
However, the Creta EV will likely borrow some interior bits from the Kona EV sold globally. Therefore, one can expect a twin-screen setup, new steering wheel, reworked centre console, panoramic sunroof and 360-degree surround camera. As for the the battery and motor specs, the Creta EV will likely run on a 45kWh battery pack sending power to a front-mounted electric motor. The motor is expected to churn out 136bhp and 255Nm of torque. Also, the EV could come with fast-charging capabilities.
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Price-wise, the Hyundai Creta EV could range between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete with the MG ZS EV, the Mahindra XUV400, and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX and Tata Curvv EV.
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