Hyundai is all set to launch its first EV, the Kona SUV in India on 9th July, 2019. The Kona isn’t just Hyundai’s first EV (for India), it also happens to be the first electric SUV in the country. Currently the SUV is already on sale in many countries, both with electric and conventional (engine powered) powertrains.
However, in India, Hyundai will be bringing in only the electric variant. Kona has been spotted testing on Indian roads in the past, and now again new spyshots with a completely camouflaged Kona have come in from Pune. Images are credit to automotive enthusiast Aashish Mangurkar.
Hyundai will be assembling the Kona at its Chennai plant. The company isn’t bullish about sales figures and expects sales of around 50 units per month, through its select dealer partners which will be based out of 20 select cities.
In terms of technical specifications, the Kona in India will come with a 39 kW battery pack which offers a total range of 312 km. Power output numbers stand at 136 hp & 395 Nm of max torque, helping it achieve a 0-100 kmph in 9.7 seconds and the overall max speed of 155 km.
Where technology, comfort and safety features are concerned, the Hyundai Kona Electric will receive a 7” touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will get ventilated seats and get 6 airbags, ABS, blind spot detection, hill start assist and reverse camera. It will also have real time traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking among its safety features.
Hyundai Kona will wear the new design language, which features headlight along side the bumper. This style we have already seen in the Tata Harrier and Hyundai Venue in India. Next, it will be seen in MG Hector. On the side you can see new alloy design, which are quite unique to any other alloy design on offer with a car in India. This will easily allow people to recognize that this is an electric Kona.
The company states that this is the first real electric SUV in India and is a part of the company’s initiative towards future mobility. Prices are expected in the Rs.20-25 lakh. Once launched, the Hyundai Kona electric will see no direct rival in the country.
With the discontinuation of Mahindra’s e2o Plus, for the next few months, the Kona will be one of the only 2 electric vehicles which will be available (for retail to consumers) in India (the other being the e-Verito from Mahindra). However, the EV space is all set to get pretty heated up with considerable competition which will come in from both, home-grown automakers and international giants.
