For Hyundai Motor India, the Kona Electric will be a technology demonstrator, a showcase of the brand’s prowess and at the same time it will also be a differentiator since most of the other EVs will be hatches or sedans. Hyundai is not expecting to clock big numbers with the Kona Electric, but a lot of the success of EVs as a category will depend on the flexibility and support provided by the Government and EV related legislation.
The Kona’s platform, construction and design also makes it a ideal choice for a electric vehicle. Interior space has been maximised by optimizing the underfloor layout, including the 4WD drivetrain and exhaust system, leading to a reduction in central tunnel intrusion. The suspension component layout is optimized at the rear, allowing for a lower floor and seating position to deliver class-leading levels of headroom and ease of access for rear occupants.
The conventional Kona also features a whole bunch of safety and driver assistance systems. So, extending some of that functionality to offer more assistance and autonomous functions in the Kona Electric should also be relatively easy for Hyundai.
The Kona Electric features a 67kWh battery pack that is capable of offering a driving range of about 250 km.