2024 Hyundai Kona Electric - second-generation electric car becomes more affordable and scores longer range to challenge MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 SUVs

Hyundai has revealed full pricing and spec details for its second-generation Kona Electric small SUV.

Now starting from $54,000 before on-road costs and state-based incentives, the entry-level Kona Electric Standard Range is even more affordable than the previous entry-level Elite Standard Range, which started from $54,500. Meanwhile, the higher-spec Extended Range starts from $58,000, more affordable than the previous Elite Extended Range, which started from $60,500.

The top-spec Highlander, which is now only available with the Extended Range battery option, is the only version that is more expensive than the outgoing version, wearing a price-tag of $68,000 - $4000 more than its predecessor.

The batteries and electric motors have also been adjusted to be more competitive this time around. The entry-level Standard Range battery measures 48.6kWh and allows a 370km WLTP driving range, up from the previous Standard Range which had a 39.2kWh battery good for a 303km range.

The Long Range features a slightly larger 64.8kWh battery (up from 64kWh) allowing a driving range of 505km, up from the previous car’s 484km. The new Highlander and its larger 19-inch wheel reduces driving range to 444km.

Charging is also faster this time around. The new Kona is capable of charging at 100kW on DC for a 10 - 80 per cent charge time of 45 minutes regardless of battery size, while AC charging has been upgraded from 7.2kW to 10.4kW. Additionally, the new Kona EV features a vehicle-to-load system like its larger Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 companions, allowing owners to power external devices from the car’s charging port.

The new Kona EV also has a choice of two redesigned front-mounted electric motors. Standard Range variants are equipped with 99kW/255Nm unit, while the Long Range versions score an increase in power to 150kW/255Nm. Both have less torque than before, although the new units are said to be smoother and more efficient than the ones they replaced. Also increasing driving range is the standard inclusion of a heat pump, which more efficiently heats the cabin compared to a conventional electric heating system.

Other changes for the new-generation model include a new smart regenerative braking system which optimises efficiency in ‘auto’ mode, an integrated brake booster, and as a key selling point - a space-saver spare wheel as opposed to most EVs which are equipped with an inflator kit. In addition, the new Kona Electric is now rated to tow and comes pre-wired, with a maximum capacity of 750kg braked.

The new Kona Electric also has a significantly larger cargo capacity compared to the outgoing car, despite the inclusion of the spare wheel - now 407 litres (VDA), representing a 75L increase.

The exterior styling syncs up with the rest of the Kona range, which is said to have had an EV-first design ethos for this generation. The drag coefficient has dropped from 0.29 to 0.27 thanks to improvements in the bodywork, and an internal active air flap in the bumper.

Elsewhere, standard equipment for the entry variant includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instruments and multimedia touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate, keyless entry and push-start ignition, as well as the full active safety suite.

Meanwhile, the Premium grade scores 19-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather interior trim, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a Bose premium audio system, remote smart parking assist, a sunroof, and a powered tailgate.

In addition to the active safety equipment on the base car, the Premium also scores a blind-spot camera system on top of blind-spot monitoring, reverse auto braking, and a 360-degree parking camera.

Finally, the new Kona Electric only needs to be serviced every 24 months or 30,000km, with the first three services costing a fixed $520 regardless of variant. The car is covered by Hyundai’s standard five-year and unlimited kilometre warranty, while the high voltage battery components are covered by a separate eight-year and 160,000km promise.

The new Kona Electric will look to make its mark against its low-cost Chinese rivals in the form of the MG ZS EV (from $40,990) and BYD Atto 3 (from $48,011). The Kona’s sister car, the Kia Niro EV, which is only available with the 150kW powertrain and Extended Range battery, costs from $66,590.

2024 Hyundai Kona EV price

	Standard Range	Extended Range
Kona Electric	$54,000	$58,000
Kona Electric Premium	--	$68,000