After releasing its next-generation Kona electrical mannequin Tuesday, Hyundai has excessive expectations for the up to date city SUV. The South Korean automaker believes the brand new Kona EV will promote greater than its gas-powered and hybrid variants.
Hyundai launched the primary Kona electrical mannequin in 2018, a yr after the gas-powered model was launched in Korea and North America.
The Hyundai Kona compact SUV, or “way of life SUV” as they name it, was designed to fill a rising want for a smaller B-segment Sport Utility Automobile whereas increasing its choices within the section.
The subcompact SUV was redesigned with a brand new sporty look and extra aerodynamic entrance fascia for final in 2021 for final yr’s mannequin yr, and the outcomes have been enormous.
Hyundai’s electrical Kona positioned ninth out of the top-selling EVs in Europe, promoting over 41,000 fashions in 2022.
Maybe, extra importantly, shoppers are gravitating towards the electrical mannequin, which accounted for about 40% of the lineup’s gross sales final yr, because it continues to realize extra consideration than its fuel and hybrid variants.
Hyundai constructed upon the Kona EVs success, releasing the second technology mannequin on Wednesday with over 300 WLTP mile vary (for the long-range 65.4 kWh battery possibility).
Nevertheless, the vary is simply a small issue of the Kona electrical refresh. Alongside an “EV-led” redesign, the brand new Kona options improved aerodynamics, options, and magnificence over its predecessor.
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Hyundai Kona electrical will outsell fuel and hybrid fashions
In accordance with Auto Information Europe, Hyundai Europe CEO Michael Cole stated he expects to promote extra Kona electrical fashions than the fuel and hybrid-powered variants.
Cole says he forecasts the electrical subcompact SUV will account for 60% (up from 40% in 2022) of the Kona lineup, which incorporates the combustion and full-hybrid fashions.
To assist get it there, Hyundai has taken buyer suggestions and carried out it into its newest technology. Hyundai design head SangYup Lee informed Automotive Information:
Clients requested us for extra inside area and a wider tailgate. We delivered, extending the Kona’s wheelbase by 60 mm in addition to making it 25 mm wider and 20 mm taller.
Lee added that the brand new Kona electrical was designed to be distinctive from the IONIQ 5 SUV and IONIQ 6 electrical sedan on goal, becoming collectively “like on a cheese board.”
The Kona additionally differs from the IONIQ collection in that it rides on the automaker K3 structure 400V electrical structure that’s been modified from earlier Kona generations. In the meantime, the IONIQ 5 and 6 fashions sit on Hyunda’s devoted E-GMP platform, providing ultrafast charging with 10% to 80% in lower than 20 minutes. As compared, the Kona EV will take 41 minutes, in line with Hyundai.
Electrek’s Take
With a daring, modern new design, enhanced options, and vary, it’s no marvel Hyundai believes its electrical variant will outsell its fuel and hybrid-powered variants.
The Kona mannequin was Hyundai’s third best-selling car in 2022, with over 58,000 gross sales, whereas the Kona electrical positioned sixth, promoting 41,448 models final yr.
2023 is shaping as much as be a giant yr for Hyundai – as its award-winning IONIQ 5 continues gaining momentum, the IONIQ 6 will start to roll out, and the Kona electrical is poised for one more breakout yr.
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