The 2024 Kona line is completely redesigned and that includes an all-new, all-electric model. As all 2nd generation Kona models share the same body, it may appear that the Kona Electric is a conversion from the gas-powered Kona. But in fact, the reverse is the case as Hyundai developed the electric model first. The gas models were then adapted from the electric platform.
Performance
All Kona Electric models are front-wheel drive. The standard drivetrain on the SE model includes a 133-horsepower motor with energy stored in a 48.6 kWh battery. Its operating range is estimated at approximately 200 miles. SEL and Limited trim levels feature a 201-horsepower motor combined with a 64.8 kWh battery. The range for this drivetrain is estimated at 260 miles. Both motors feature a torque rating of 188 lb-ft, which is present at any rpm. With a suitable DC-direct charger, both batteries are estimated to transition from a 10% to 80% state of charge in about 43 minutes.
When set to i-PEDAL mode, the Kona Electric features one-pedal driving. The Smart Regenerative System will adjust the regeneration level based on real-time traffic conditions. The charge system is also bi-directional. With its Vehicle-to-Load function, the Kona Electric can power devices or charge electrical equipment, such as electric bicycles, scooters, and camping equipment. With the proper home charging installation it can even supply power to necessities in the home in the event of a power outage.
Exterior
While still recognizable as a Kona, the exterior is completely redesigned, smoothed, and sculpted to feature a drag coefficient of just 0.27. The Kona Electric distinguishes itself from the rest of the line with a pixelated effect on the full-width front horizon line that is reminiscent of the IONIQ model lighting smaller front air intake and other trim details. The front horizon line and corner headlight clusters are matched in the rear with a full-width LED tail light band and brake, reverse, and turn signal clusters.
The wheelbase has been lengthened by more than two inches to 104.7” with overall length growing from 165.6 to 171.5 inches. Overall width increases by an inch to 71.9 and height is up by a half-inch to 62.2 inches. There will be seven exterior colors including Meta Blue which is exclusive to the electric model and all Kona Electric models ride on 17-inch wheels.
Interior
The interior has been significantly upgraded with a clean, modern design, and high-quality materials, with a high level of fit and finish. The larger exterior benefits the interior directly with the following dimensions:
- Headroom F/R – 39.9” / 38.3” | Increase: .3 / .5”
- Legroom F/R – 41.7” / 36.4” | Increase: .2 / 1.2”
- Shoulder room F/R – 56.8” / 55.2” | Increase: 1.3 / .7”
- Hip room F/R – 54.3” / 52.4” | Increase: 1” / .2”
A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard with an identically sized digital information center for the driver. All models will provide the convenience of wireless AppleCarPlay® and Android AutoTM. The shift-by-wire selector is now a control stalk behind the right side of the steering wheel, reducing arm movement and freeing up space in the center console. The console features a deep storage area that can convert to a single or dual cup holder with the push of a button. The rear “Curve-less Bench Seat” increases available space for rear passengers. Behind them is 25.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, which expands to 63.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The “frunk” provides an additional 27-liter storage space under the hood.
Available on the new Kona Electric Limited is the Digital Key 2 system, which allows the driver to use an Apple or Android smartphone or smartwatch to control the door locks, and ignition. The owner can also extend this ability to up to three trusted individuals.
Safety
Regardless of the drivetrain, the 2024 Kona model line features the latest interaction of the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System. The Remote Smart Parking Assist introduced and promoted on the Sonata is available on the Limited trim, enabling drivers to exit or enter a car before or after parking in a very tight space. Also on the Limited is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which when activated, provides the driver a camera image of the blind spot of the respective side in the driver information center. The Limited’s Surround View Monitor (SVM) displays the vehicle from various driver-selectable viewpoints for safe and easy parking.
Standard Hyundai SmartSense and other driver-assist features include:
- Smart Cruise control w/ Stop & Go
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Pedestrian/Cyclist/JT/DO Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Highway Driving Assist I (HDA I)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) (door logic-type)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
An update of the Bluelink system allows the driver to view the car’s present range and state of charge, as well as adjust charge timing from their smartphone. Essential key safety and maintenance features, such as Auto Collision Assistance, SOS Assistance, Remote Diagnostics, Maintenance Reminders, and ECU updates are available with no trial period, and for the life of the supporting technology and 4G LTE network. Software updates to enhance these systems can occur automatically with Over-the-Air (OTA) technology for software updates.
