The future is here, however, expensive.
“Substituting to a Kona EV would be a change of lifestyle, not just a transport one”
“Hyundai Kona Electric is decently one of the best electric vehicles in the market today”
“You can take over any fast car since the driver can’t hear your engine’s sound, and then have enough torque to pass them in the fast lane!” said Issam
Electric cars are the future. It is certainly the only future our grandchildren will see. From one side, it is a pity for them not to be able to experience those big V10, V12 roaring engines and burning fuel, however, they get to experience better performances, efficiency and most importantly saving our environment. I acquired two electric cars lately in Lebanon and the Kona EV is among them.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is decently one of the best electric vehicles in the market today. It shares the basic structure with the petrol Kona SUV, but dresses in an exceptional front bumper, grille, and different wheels that all look super funky and help as well reducing aerodynamic drag.
Driving Impressions
If I want to compare the Kona combustion to the Kona EV, I would say that some features have been improved. For instance, I still remember that the acceleration on the Kona Petrol version was kind of slow, not to mention the engine noise inside the cabin as well. Now with the Kona EV, you get quicker acceleration and almost no sound inside the cabin. See the power of batteries?!
The impressive thing that caught my attention was the charging port. Why is that; well because it sits hidden under a flap on the front grille which makes it unique among other EVs. The blade-like design for the 17” alloy wheels will give you a futuristic look too.
Similar to the exterior, the inside cabin goes for a normal feel to a point where you might not know it is an electric vehicle. It comes with an 8 inch screen and 7 inch digital display for the driver. The seats are ventilated so you can cool yourself in a hot weather. If you are wondering whether this electric SUV is considered as a fully-fledged family SUV, don’t think twice. The backseats provide headroom for tall passengers, but not so much legroom.
In a highway drive, the best feeling you get is that it makes you feel marvelously quick. You can take over any fast car since the driver can’t hear your engine’s sound, and then have enough torque to pass them in the fast lane!
Verdict
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a good EV with a solid powertrain, smooth ride, and satisfactory with its tech features, though it still needs more interior quality and space improvements. Its price is a bit high for the Lebanese market so the people who will acquire it are among the rich society. No one will spend $USD 50k on an electric small SUV for a daily drive. You would rather get a Santa Fe, right? Anyway, as we always used to mention, when the technology is recent, it is expensive, just like the beginning of mobile phones in the early 90s.
Pros: Driving range of 400 km, quick acceleration, sharp handling, comfortable and quiet cabin, many standard high-tech features
Cons: Tight rear legroom
Rivals: Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Kia Niro EV
One word: Going-Green!
4/5 stars
Specs
Engine Type: Electric (150kW), 201hp @ 3,800 rpm, 395Nm @ 0 rpm
Transmission: 1-speed direct drive, Front wheel drive (FWD), 0-100 kph: 7.6 sec, Top Speed: 167 kph
Electric Range: 400 km, Vehicle Consumption: 16 kWh/100km, Vehicle Fuel Equivalent: 1.8 l/100km
Battery Capacity: 67.1 kWh, Battery Useable: 64.0 kWh
Home Charge Port: Charge Power 7.2 kW AC, Charge Time (0->400 km) 10h30m
Fast charge Port: Fast charge Power (max) 77 kW DC, Fast charge Time (40->320 km) 44 min