India’s second largest car maker, Hyundai has promised a shared, connected and zero emission mobility future for India. This was announced at the MOVE mobility summit earlier today. The global summit was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Delhi.
Highlight of Hyundai India’s commitment was the showcase of their Kona electric car. Hyundai Kona was showcased as a concept earlier this year at the Auto Expo. Today, it’s production ready variant was showcased at the MOVE summit.
At the event, Mr. Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company said, “The KONA Electric is a true expression of Hyundai’s technological advancements in the field of Eco & Clean Mobility. I am confident that this Global Mobility Summit will herald a new era of Smart and Clean mobility in India.”
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric will be launched in India next year. It will sit above the Creta SUV in the company line-up. The full electric crossover has a range of 482 kms on a single charge, which is better than Chevrolet Bolt EV by 32 kms, and is literally kms ahead of Nissan Leaf, Honda Clarity, and Hyundai Ioniq. Tesla Model 3 is the only one that beats Hyundai Kona Electric by a noticeable 80 kms in long range ability.
Globally, Hyundai Kona Electric is being made available in two trims. The entry level trim delivers 300 kms range and top variant delivers 482 kms range. The one showcased today is the 482 kms range variant. But, in India, it is the entry level 300 kms range variant which is expected to be launched. Charge time is pegged at 6 hours for a full charge. A quick charger will enable upto 80 percent charge in under an hour.
With a weak public infrastructure system for electric vehicles, it’s been a tough battle for EV players in India, namely Tata Motors and Mahindra. Both have picked up contracts with the government to supply EVs under EESL requirements but that has met with hurdles. Hyundai India does not plan to go big with the Kona Electric. To start with, the company expects limited sales from select dealerships.