[PHOTOS] Hyundai Shares 2019 Kona Electric Details
The new 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric compact crossover will arrive with an outstanding range of 258 miles — but it might be a little hard to find in most of the United States.
Hyundai says the Kona Electric will be available in the U.S. at the beginning of next year, but only in California at first. Later, it will be available in a handful of western and northeastern states that require automakers to sell zero-emissions vehicles.
Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but the Kona Electric is expected to be one of the more affordable electric vehicles on the market. So what exactly will drivers get when they buy it? Here’s a quick look.
Versatile crossover: Learn more about the 2018 Hyundai Kona
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Performance and handling
As previously mentioned, the Kona Electric boasts 258 miles of electric range. That’s better than the Chevy Bolt’s 238 miles, although not quite as good as the 337-mile range of the Tesla Model S. The Kona Electric’s 150-kilowatt electric motor and 64-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery can supply the equivalent of 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency is estimated by the EPA at 132 city MPGe and108 highway MPGe.
The Kona Electric also comes with MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to enjoy both agile and versatile handling and a smooth ride. Shift-by-wire center console drive controls provide extra control behind the wheel.
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Charging
The Kona Electric comes standard with Level III quick charging capability, which helps it achieve an 80% charge in less than an hour. With Level II charging, the Kona Electric achieves a full charge in less than 10 hours.
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Technology and safety
Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard on the Kona Electric. So is the 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected services. Drivers wanting an upgrade can opt for the 8-inch touch-screen system with navigation and premium audio. Other available tech features include wireless charging and a Head-Up Display.
The Hyundai Smart Sense package of active safety features is available for the Kona Electric. These camera- and radar-enabled systems include Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
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Interior
Despite its compact size, the Kona Electric prioritizes interior comfort and spaciousness. The cabin is designed to provide an open feel, generous headroom, and easy seating access. Split-folding rear seats give the cargo area extra flexibility and allow a maximum cargo volume of 19.2 cubic feet.
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Photos of the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
Electric Excellence: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric raises the eco-friendly bar
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