Hyundai unveils the 2nd-Gen KONA - EV variant with class-leading range challenges the Ioniq 5

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the all-new 2nd-Gen KONA, with the EV variant stealing most of the limelight.

Although there are a few powertrain options for the new KONA( EV, hybrid, ICE), Hyundai developed the new B-segment crossover as an EV first vehicle, in line with the company's March 2022 accelerated electrification strategy announcement that will bring 11 new Hyundai EVs to market by 2030. 

"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 solutions like our EVs, we hope to speed the transition to clean mobility and make progress for humanity", said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. 

According to Hyundai, the KONA Electric delivers class-leading electric driving range of 490 km (WLTP). It also comes with EV-specific design elements, including frunk storage, active air flaps, interior and exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) outlets, Head-up Display (HUD), one pedal driving mode, Smart Regenerative System and an electronic-Active Sound Design.

There are two variants offered for the KONA EV, the long-range and standard range. The standard range is equipped with a 48.4 kWh battery with 114.6 kW of power and 255Nm of torque, while the long-range utilises a 65.4 kWh battery which gives the car 160 kW of power but has similar torque figures with the standard range.

Both however support 400 V charging, and the time it takes to juice them up from 10% to 80% only requires 41 minutes using a fast charger.

Through the dimensions given by Hyundai, the 2nd Gen KONA seems larger than the outgoing model, probably because it's an EV first vehicle that needs the space for a large battery.

On the EV variant, a Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics add a unique flourish. Vivid exterior colors further emphasize KONA’s iconic design, taking inspiration from the diverse lifestyles of the model’s broad spectrum of customers.