Hyundai Launches India's First Fully Electric SUV- 'KONA Electric'

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., country's First Smart Mobility Solutions Provider and largest exporter since inception, today launched India's First Fully Electric SUV- KONA Electric .Hyundai KONA is a true expression of Hyundai's Advanced Technology in Eco & Clean Mobility. Appealing to Consumers with active, eco-focused lifestyle â€" Hyundai KONA Electric will offer Youthful Design, Sporty Driving and Advanced Technology offering First long Range Green SUV with 452 Kms/Charge.

'KONA' Electric is named after the idyllic west-coast region of the Big Island of Hawaii. The KONA region is famous among endurance triathletes and thrill-seeking travellers, and this energetic image is further reflected in the innovative and distinctive design of this eco-focused SUV.

KONA Electric's exterior styling features, Voluminous, Aggressive body styling, Complemented by wide stance for great looks and confident handling in a variety of urban and adventure-oriented driving environments makes it unique.

Commenting at the launch of Hyundai KONA Electric, Mr. S.S. Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai    Motor India Limited said "India is ushering into a new era with Clean and Connected Mobility. We are committed to Government's vision of 'Shared', 'Connected' and 'Clean' Mobility. Hyundai is leading the future mobility solutions globally and will bring in the most relevant technology in the clean mobility space in the Indian market. As we embark on the journey of India's future mobility, the launch of India's First Fully Electric SUV KONA in India will be a revolutionary and a definitive forward move to change the perspective towards electric cars altogether."

"The KONA Electric is the 'The New Normal' as it is the First Long Range Green SUV with 452 Kms/Charge (ARAI Certified) enhancing the customer confidence towards Electric mobility. KONA Electric has received worldwide recognition and will be the most conducive e-vehicle for the Indian market. The Electric SUV showcases strengths of its SUV model combined with advanced innovative technology of an electric powertrain." he added.

1. Distinctive Design  -  An Icon of Pure Tech

KONA Electric employs refined aesthetics with organic geometric body forms and sporty contours for a modern, eco-oriented appearance. Its distinctive design is reinforced by the car's voluminous, futuristic body styling that emphasizes its well-proportioned, dynamic silhouette.   A wide stance complements its profile, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, ensuring sporty, nimble handling and control, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at highway speeds. Its refined, aero-tuned wheel arch and rear fascia cladding combines powerfully with futuristic LED lighting to create a high-tech eco appearance.

The front of KONA Electric presents a modern and futuristic design. The Unique front grille with intaglio patterns sets it apart from conventional vehicles. The front bold stance is complemented with the unique graphic element on grille giving distinctive and cutting edge design along with the spilt type headlamp set-up creates an iconic image. The electric charging port is seamlessly integrated with this grille area for convenient, head-in parking at charging stations. The front view is flanked by aero-tuned flared fenders that enhance its road presence. It's further enhanced by a separated-headlight design signature, with LED Daytime Running Lights above and high-efficiency LED headlights below. The visual relationship between the composite lamps, the futuristic grille and unique side cladding results in a distinctive electric SUV.

Side-profile design elements reinforce its modern and efficient qualities. A bright-finish lower wave-like element visually connects the front and rear, as do contrasting gray fender flares. Lightweight aero design wheels add a unique cue to the profile while providing aero efficiency benefits.

As with the front LED arrangement, the rear light configuration also creates a unique, signature appearance. The slim brake lights, turn indicators and reverse lamps are in a separated configuration, surrounded by protective skin that begins at the C-pillar garnish. The rear bumper fascia conveys an inverse wave-form design element that simultaneously conveys ruggedness and a future-oriented powertrain. The KONA Electric coefficient of drag is 0.29 Cd, an impressive aerodynamic rating for a SUV.

In keeping with its modern design demeanour, a number of extroverted color variations allow buyers to further express themselves by choosing colors such as Phantom Black, Polar White, Marina Blue, Typhoon Silver and Polar white with Phantom Black Roof.

 

2. Unmatched Range

The KONA Electric on-board charger is capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics. KONA Electric estimated range is a segment-leading 452 kms/charge (ARAI Certified), meeting the varying needs of owner lifestyles. An 80% charge can be achieved in 57 minutes with DC quick charger (zero to 80 % charge @ 50 kW), using the CCS Type II charging port, while a 7.2 kW Level-II charger takes 6 hours and 10 minutes. For charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area for head-in parking ease whenever charging is needed.

KONA Electric offers differentiated driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Comfort and Sport) optimize torque distribution, tailoring KONA Electric to a variety of driving preferences and purposes. In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration, while Eco+ and Eco modes progressively prioritize range over performance with more conservative power-delivery and deliver maximum Electric Range by brake regeneration.

3. Hi-Tech and Premium Interiors

The unique features of the exterior continue inside with a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. The KONA Electric delivers an outstanding interior roominess.

The sleek and simple interior accentuates the modern and efficient exterior design. KONA Electric's exclusive Shift-by-wire drive controls are supported by a center console upper bridge element with an integrated open-access lower storage bin for convenience. The audio/navigation display incorporates advanced infotainment features and the available floating 17.77cm seamless touchscreen infotainment includes standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ capability. The floating infotainment display adds further to the occupants' sense of interior openness and puts information front and center for the driver. Further, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that enhance the comfort-focused environment.

The KONA Electric platform has been developed to give customers ample ground clearance and an elevated, command seating position to provide better visibility and comfort on long journeys, as well as easy ingress and egress.

Designers maximized interior space for storage versatility, meeting the requirements of customers with active lifestyle pursuits.

 

4. Electrifying Performance

The KONA Electric powertrain employs a powerful and highly-efficient 136ps permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor powered by a high-voltage 39.2 kWh advanced lithium-ion polymer battery. The motor develops 40.27 kgm of torque distributed to the front wheels giving an impressive acceleration of 0- 100 kmph in just 9.7 seconds. The battery system has liquid-cooling technology and battery pack has high energy density.

KONA Electric was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a variety of urban and multi-surface driving conditions. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut system using an innovative sub-frame bushing design for enhanced comfort and reduced NVH. The MacPherson strut design uses gas-filled shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar for lower weight and enhanced responsiveness. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires give surefooted, agile handling character on a variety of road surfaces.

All KONA Electric models employ a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension design for overall agility, ride comfort and stability with minimal ride vs. handling compromises. Its geometry was specially designed for refined body movement on a variety of surfaces. Rear suspension control arm design also minimizes camber and toe changes throughout the suspension travel range.

KONA Electric's motor-driven power steering is more efficient than traditional hydraulic systems, reducing typical parasitic losses from ancillary belts and their continual drag on the powertrain. Further, the steering system is engineered and tuned specifically for KONA Electric's precise and rapid adjustments in steering feel with changing driving conditions. The steering wheel itself offers a wide range of tilt and telescopic adjustment for greater driver comfort.

5. Exhilarating & Innovative Technology

KONA Electric offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The standard 17.77cm touchscreen infotainment includes AM/FM/MP3, auxiliary input, voice-command recognition and Rear View Monitor.

KONA Electric offers digital cluster with supervision, power driver's seat, leather ventilated seats (Front), automatic air conditioning and Smart key with push button start. In a first for the segment, KONA Electric offers smartphone wireless charging. To charge a device, simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless-charging interface located in the center console storage, recharging without the need for cables.

6. Complete Peace of Mind

The Customers will be provided with two Chargers along with the car â€" A portable charger and an AC Wall Box Charger. The Portable charger can be plugged into any normal 3 Pin 15 Amp socket and charge the vehicle. This charger can top up daily running of 50Kms in less than 3 Hours. Whereas AC Wall Box charger (7.2 kW) can top-up charge the vehicle within 1 hour for running 50Kms.

Hyundai Electric Vehicle selling dealers will support the customer for installing the sockets at customer's premises and also provide charging demo to the customer. The Installation support for customers will be provided through our partner Allianz Worldwide.

Allianz Worldwide will provide support to customers on Consultancy on the installation by doing a pre-installation survey that will assess the residence type, power  connection & upgradation requirement (if any), procedure to upgrade the power supply, consumables required for installation etc. Allianz will also provide dedicated telephonic support for the complete process.

For providing Fast Charging facility, Hyundai is working along with IOCL to develop infrastructure at select Fuel Stations in select cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai). HMIL will invest on the equipment and installation of these Fast Chargers (CCS Type â€" Single Port). These chargers can charge 80% of the battery capacity in less than an hour.

Moreover, all Hyundai Electric Selling dealerships are equipped with 7.2 kW AC Charger to support customers for KONA Electric Charging. Additionally, in select cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai) a Special KONA Electric fleet (KONA Electric to KONA Electric) fitted with power converter will provide emergency charging support to the customers. Also, for the convenience of customers, HMIL has tied up with MapMyIndia, to display KONA Electric compatible EV Charging Stations in HMIL Website and in Mobile App.

For Complete Peace of Mind of Customers â€" The KONA Electric would be available with a Warranty for 3 Years and unlimited Kilometres, along with a Warranty for 8 Years and upto 160,000 Kms for its High Voltage Battery.

 

7. Key Feature Highlights

Also see: Hyundai Kona Electric First Drive Video