It almost seems as if we are introduced to a brand new electric vehicle each and every day, many of which can lack excitement and the urge for you to actually want one. So, in a new era where environmental issues have never been more in the limelight, car manufacturers are all scrambling over themselves to get your money when you decide to opt for an electric vehicle (EV). The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is the latest release from the Korean car maker and promises to deliver more than 400km in emission free driving per charge.
FUTURISTIC EXTERIOR
The 2019 Kona Electric marks a new era for Hyundai as this important vehicle for the manufacturer sets a new exterior styling benchmark for future models. This is the first electric sub-compact SUV in Canada and it plans to shake up the electric car market in the country, which it certainly does with its SUV styling. Slim, powerful looking lights combined with a grille-less design makes the 2019 Kona Electric look like it has just dropped out of a sci-fi movie.
From the side of the 2019 Kona EV you will notice a floating roof design which can be ordered in a contrasting colour, and a high waistline enhancing the overall SUV styling. Each part of the 2019 Kona Electric has been styled with aerodynamics in mind, even the standard 17 inch wheels have been designed to increase airflow around them with the overall goal of increasing battery range.
Wide, wrap around LED rear lights complete the exterior styling to make the 2019 Kona an SUV set well apart from its competitors when it comes to its looks. However, the jury is still out on the rather odd looking lower rear light clusters on the rear sides, which appear to be out of place.
BRIGHT INTERIOR
Stepping inside the 2019 Kona Electric, you’ll be faced with a bright and welcoming cabin. One of the first things you’ll notice is the lack of a gear lever on the centre column. Four large buttons replace the traditional gear selector, while large cup holders and a storage compartment are all in easy reach.
A large digital TFT display replaces any analogue gauges and all the battery information and power usage is available on the large screen. The 2019 Kona’s cabin is full of the latest tech such as a head-up display, a 7 or 8 inch touch screen monitor with Apple Car Play and Android Auto both as standard. Mobile devices can be charged wirelessly and an app will allow you to locate the car, remotely set the climate control and lock and unlock the car.
Due to the Kona’s SUV styling, the driving position is high and gives a good view of the road ahead. Good quality materials are used throughout the car and the `space and practicality will please most drivers.
ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE
The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric houses a powerful 150kw, 201hp electric motor which offers a generous range of 415km which is certainly good when you compare against some of its EV competitors. Various exterior conditions like elevation changes, wind and cold will no doubt affect the range, but apples to apples the 2019 Kona Electric is at the top of the pack for range.
Using a powerful fast charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in less than an hour, however that would increase to nine hours when using a domestic charging system. It delivers a good amount of power from the front wheels, and the battery can receive power from the regenerative braking system which can be adjusted via the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. The acceleration is peppy and will surprise you since the electric motor can deliver the power to the wheels almost instantly. With more than 500L of cargo space available with 60/40 split fold rear seats, it is a very practical car as well as being environmentally friendly.
Overall, the 2019 Kona Electric is an engineering marvel with fast accelerations, whisper quiet driving, regenerative braking and fast charging capabilities. It definitely sets the bar high for all other electric vehicles.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric starts at$44,999 which certainly isn’t cheap but is great value when considering its closest rivals in terms of equipment and battery range. The 2019 Kona is a funky alternative to the other EVs that lack street cred and styling, even the Tesla Model 3 which is a lot more expensive than the Kona isn’t half as good looking and practical as the Kona, so it is certainly worth considering if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy emission free motoring.
