Your Definitive Guide to the new Hyundai Kona Electric Car

The new Hyundai Kona Electric Car-Your Definitive Guide

The need for affordable electric cars has not gone unnoticed. Only earlier this week (March 2023) we reported on the launch of the new Ford Explorer EV, a compact SUV to enter the UK’s leasing market for late 2023 / early 2024. And this is heartening news, in particular for the personal lease and PCP market, where price sensitivity to battery solutions is very much increasing. The obvious difficulty facing the EV transition is that the cost price of many new cars is more than petrol or diesel equivalents.

But aren’t electric cars cheaper to run? The honest answer is that it very much depends and this where a Whole of Life Cost analysis is so crucial, as this is about moving away from just the monthly price for the finance element of the vehicle; you need to observe the fuel / energy costs, the maintenance, servicing and tyres, the annual motor insurance premium while also considering energy rates, charge point installation and renewable energy offset!

Very quickly you see that it is not a simple yes or no answer to the query, and this is where our website proves itself as the UK’s leading EV resource, with tools, tips and guidance to answer all of this.

Hyundai have been instrumental in the UK’s electric vehicle ecosystem, with their original Ioniq and Kona proving to be hugely popular, particularly with personal and business leasing customers looking into cheaper EV options. And what they have achieved, when you compare this to Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot is truly astounding.

For many years the European manufacturers have been at the forefront of competitive deals and credible options but, until recently, have been left wanting when it comes to all-electric automotives. Indeed, Hyundai have been doing such a good job, for so long, that the Kona Electric is now having its 2nd revision having enjoyed nearly four years of success.

In 2021, this was the UK’s 6th best-selling EV and this really set the standard for price point, quality and driver experience. But as part of a modernisation strategy, the Korean brand have become more premium with their Ioniq 5 Hatchback and Ioniq 6 Saloon setting standards in the more luxury segment of the industry. In a clear message to the competition, such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the brand is looking to establish itself as a primary choice for the UK driver.

But will the upcoming Hyundai Kona do enough to become our nation’s favourite?

At todays date (March 2023) little is known on the exact specifications and pricing with only some suggestions and evidence available. The all-new Kona is aiming to be an “urban-centric SUV” which will convey dynamic road presence, living space and become a car “practically for everyone”.

Externally this car will be provided with the futuristic embodiment of the 5 and 6 models, sharper creases and contours plus a slightly bigger frame. The front of the EV will have the Seamless Horizon Lamp (pixelated on the EV model) to showcase a distinctive character. On the Interior the increased cabin space is designed to offer versatility but with a sport approach.

Drivers can enjoy the 12.3” high-tech displays, ambient lighting, 2nd row Curve-less Bench Seats and shift by wire system. Expect the digital key (for mobile phone access) a smart power tailgate plus OTA software to maintain the technological proficiency of the EV. In terms of safety features expect - Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Reverse Parking Collision Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Driver Attention Warning. 

What will the new Kona be competing against? What are the best affordable electric SUVs for 2023?

In terms of choice, we would suggest the following options: 

• New Ford Explorer SUV (could be early 2024);
•  Kia Niro EV (available now);
•  MG ZS Electirc (available now);
•  Peugeot e-2008 (available now);
•  Vauxhall Mokka-E (available now);and
•  VW ID.4 (available now).

So what battery options will the new Hyundai Kona EV offer?

•  A 48 kWh battery - (starting from  £35,000) the usable 48.4 kWh lithium-ion battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 10.0 seconds, 96 mph top speeds and 115 kW (or 154hp). And the drivetrain will be FWD. Expect a combined winter range of 155 miles with warmer weather allowing for 215 miles on a full charge. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 5 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 75 kW DC maximum allowing 43 minute 10 – 80% times. This car has a reasonable cargo volume of 466L and a vehicle fuel equivalent of 155 mpg; or
•  A 65 kWh battery - (starting from  £40,000) the usable 65.4 kWh lithium-ion battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.0 seconds, 104 mph top speeds and 160 kW (or 215hp). And the drivetrain will be FWD. Expect a combined winter range of 205 miles with warmer weather allowing for 285 miles on a full charge. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 100 kW DC maximum allowing 41 minute 10 – 80% times. This car has a reasonable cargo volume of 466L and a vehicle fuel equivalent of 152 mpg 

Ready to order the brand new electric Kona?

As this has not yet officially launched, just register your interest on the Hyundai website - Alternatively just get in touch with our expert team for the latest updates.