South Korean automaker Hyundai announced on Tuesday the pricing and specifications for its 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, with a $500 and $2,500 price cut for the entry-level and mid-level models, respectively.
Three new Kona Electrics will now be available, starting with an entry-level variant with a 99kW electric motor and standard range 48.6kWh lithium-ion battery.
This 99kW front-wheel-drive Kona Electric will start at $54,000, $500 less than previous years’ models. Boasting an all-electric range of 370 kilometres (WLTP), the 99kW motor will put out 255Nm of torque.
The mid-level Kona Electric will boast a 64.8kWh battery and a 150kW electric motor putting out the same 255Nm of torque but will offer up to 505 kilometres of range.
When compared to previous years, the mid-level is $2,500 cheaper at $58,000.
The top-of-the-line Kona Electric will come in at $4,000 more than previous years’ models, making it more expensive than the Tesla Model Y, making it a difficult sell considering that the Tesla can travel further on a single charge and offers larger cabin space.
Also fitted with the 64.8kWh battery, the Kona Electric Premium will cost $68,000, put out 255Nm of torque from its 150kW electric motor, and travel only 444 kilometres on a single charge.
All three variants will come with battery conditioning; heat pump cabin heating; LED headlights, DRLS, and taillights; dual-zone climate control; and a wireless smartphone charger.
Standard equipment for the lower two variants includes 17-inch allow wheels, dual 12.3-inch screens, keyless entry and start, a six-speaker stereo, cloth seats, and an impressive suite of safety features.
The Premium Kona Electric, however, include 19-inch allow wheels; leather upholstery; powered, heated, and ventilated seating; a heated steering wheel; Head Up Display; and Bose eight-speaker premium audio system.
Remote Smart Parking Assist, a wide glass sunroof, and smart power tailgate also fill out the Premium’s premium features.
