Hyundai is generating buzz in the electric vehicle (EV) world with the much-anticipated release of the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV. In a recent announcement, the South Korean automaker shared a wealth of information about this next-generation electric car, from its sleek design to its improved battery capacity and features.
The 2024 Kona Electric boasts a refreshed design that emphasizes aerodynamics and modern aesthetics. Notable changes include a cleaner front-end design with a full-width LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) and a more streamlined nose. Designers have incorporated elements from the Ioniq 5, such as sculpted wheel arches and parametric design themes on the side profile. While there’s a nod to its larger sibling, the Kona Electric maintains its unique identity.
One of the impressive upgrades is its improved aerodynamics, with a reduced drag coefficient of 0.27, enhancing its efficiency. The vehicle is larger than its predecessor, measuring 171.5 inches in length, 71.9 inches in width, and 62.2 inches in height. The interior space also benefits from these changes, with a spacious 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, although the front trunk (frunk) provides a more modest 27 liters of space.
The 2024 Kona Electric features a slightly larger battery pack, increasing from 64 kWh to 64.8 kWh. Despite this incremental improvement, the range estimates remain impressively close to the previous model, with Hyundai’s preliminary testing suggesting a 260-mile range, just two miles more than the current generation’s 258-mile EPA range. The standard battery variant is projected to offer 197 miles of range.
Charging times have seen a modest improvement, with a 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) achievable in 43 minutes using 400V Level 3 DC fast charging. Additionally, for those in colder climates, battery pre-conditioning is available to optimize performance.
The powertrain specifications remain consistent with the previous model. The long-range version of the Kona Electric comes equipped with a front axle-mounted electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The standard range variant offers 133 hp and the same 188 lb-ft of torque.
Hyundai has introduced several new features to enhance the driving experience. These include vehicle-to-load functionality, providing a maximum power output of 1.7 kilowatts. A Smart Regenerative system adjusts brake energy regeneration in real-time based on traffic conditions. The interior has been upgraded with ambient lighting and body-colored accents, while a dual 12.3-inch panoramic screen setup now adorns the gauge cluster and infotainment system, offering improved usability and aesthetics.
Enthusiasts in the United States can look forward to ordering the 2024 Kona Electric in late fall 2023. Pricing details are expected to be released closer to the launch date, but it is anticipated to start in a similar price range as the outgoing model, which began at $33,500, excluding taxes and fees.
Production of the 2024 Kona Electric will take place in Hyundai’s Ulsan, South Korea plant, catering to the North American market, while another production facility in Nošovice, Czechia, will serve the European market. This announcement follows the successful wholesale shipment of nearly 40,000 units of the Kona Electric in the first half of 2023, reaffirming Hyundai’s growing presence in the EV market, with the Ioniq 5 leading the charge.
