Hyundai Kona electric SUV to be initially sold through select dealerships in India

Team OD Updated: July 17, 2019, 03:13 PM IST

Hyundai is readying to enter the electric vehicle space in India and the model that will help the Korean car manufacturer do so is the all-electric Hyundai Kona SUV. While other manufacturers are still working on bringing out hybrids in India, Hyundai has already made it clear that it plans to launch pure EVs only. The Hyundai electric SUV, the Kona will be sold through select dealerships in India in the initial phase. These would mainly include the metropolitan cities in the country. The car manufacturer is also believed to be ramping up its post sales experience at various dealerships to further increase the brand's appeal. Hyundai will be retailing the electric SUV through its regular dealerships in India.

The Hyundai Kona electric SUV will be the first electric SUV in India. It is said that this SUV will offer a driving range second to none and will make long distance travelling possible too, something that has been a big hurdle for EVs in India.

The exterior styling of the electric Kona is similar to the combustion-engined version with the only difference being a closed-off grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamically designed bumpers and spoiler

The Indian-spec car, expected in 2019, is set to be offered with the base 135PS, 300km range electric motor. The 39.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack this motor is paired with propels the electric Kona from 0 to 100kmph in 9.3s and onto a top speed of 167kmph, mainly due to its 395Nm of torque available from standstill. This battery can be fully charged in six hours or gain 80 per cent charge (240km range) in an hour with a fast charger. Reports suggest that the car could come in via the CKD route and be priced at around Rs 25 lakh.

When launched, the Kona electric will not have any direct rivals. It will instead compete in price with cars like the Jeep Compass, upcoming Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan and its own stablemate, the Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai will be hoping the Kona electric will attract buyers with its unconventional styling and due to a growth in interest in electric cars in the country.

Also see: Hyundai Kona Electric First Drive Video