Hyundai says 2019 Kona Electric can go 258 miles on a charge

(October 10, 2018) HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Hyundai has introduced its convention-breaking Kona Electric crossover that it says has a compact electric CUV segment-leading 258-mile estimated range. The  Kona Electric rides on an all-new CUV platform and is Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover for the U.S. market, appealing to consumers with active, eco-focused lifestyles of all kinds.

Kona Electric’s exterior styling features voluminous, aggressive body styling complemented by a low and wide stance for great looks and confident handling in a variety of urban and adventure-oriented driving environments.

It joins Hyundai’s successful new Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe in a full line-up of Hyundai crossovers for the U.S. market. 2019 Kona Electric models will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, and will be available in the beginning of 2019, with initial availability in California and subsequently in the ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.

“Our new Kona Electric crossover is a stylish and efficient compact CUV, tailored to the needs of customers who pursue eco-focused active lifestyles requiring generous range,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We’re confident it will set new standards for the electric-propelled compact CUV segment, with outstanding range flexibility, appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class-leading available safety features.”

2019 Kona Electric Highlights

    • Bold, fresh design elements with extroverted color options
    • LED headlight, taillight and daytime running light illumination signature
    • High-efficiency 201 horsepower, 291 lb.-ft. electric motor powertrain
    • High-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery
    • Standard floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ support
    • Hyundai Smart Sense (HSS):
        Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
        Driver Attention Warning
        Lane Keeping Assist
        Blind-Spot Collision Warning
        Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
        High Beam Assist
    • Premium technology availability:
        8-inch Navigation System
        Shift-by-wire center console drive controls with additional storage below
    • Next generation Blue Link connected car system
    • Heads-up Display (with active pop-up display screen)
    •   Rain-sensing Wipers
    •   Qi Wireless-device charging

The Kona Electric employs refined aesthetics with organic geometric body forms and sporty contours for a modern, eco-oriented appearance. Its distinctive design is reinforced by the car’s voluminous, futuristic body styling that emphasizes its well-proportioned, dynamic silhouette. A low and wide stance complements its profile, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, ensuring sporty, nimble handling and control, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at highway speeds.

Its refined, aero-tuned wheel arch and rear fascia cladding combines powerfully with futuristic LED lighting to create a high-tech eco appearance.

The front of Kona Electric presents a future-focused, modern presence, with a cross-hatch, debossed design element for the grille area. The electric charging port is seamlessly integrated with this grille area for convenient, head-in parking at charging stations. The front view is flanked by aero-tuned flared fenders that enhance its road presence.

It’s further enhanced by a separated-headlight design signature, with LED Daytime Running Lights above and available high-efficiency LED headlights below. The visual relationship between the composite lamps, the futuristic grille and unique side cladding results in a distinctive electric crossover character.