March 6th 2023
In December of the year 2022, Hyundai provided a foretaste of the daring design philosophy that would imbue the forthcoming 2024 Kona family, which was followed up in the subsequent month of January 2023 with the divulgence of the technical specifications for both the gasoline-powered and hybrid models of this subcompact crossover.
At present, the automaker has gone one step further and revealed the initial powertrain specifications and electric vehicle-specific equipment particulars for the most eagerly awaited member of this family, namely, the 2024 Kona Electric.
The second iteration of the Hyundai Kona Electric provides potential buyers with a binary selection of battery packs, each with its own distinctive properties, namely the Standard and Long Range. The former model boasts a 48.4 kilowatt-hour pack that facilitates an approximate range of 212 miles (342 kilometers) based on the WLTP estimates, while the latter model is endowed with a 65.4 kWh battery that furnishes an estimated range of 304 miles (490 kilometers) based on the same WLTP parameters.
With respect to the powertrain, both variants are outfitted with a front-mounted electric motor, which generates a robust output of 114.6 kilowatts (equivalent to 154 horsepower) in the Standard model and a significantly enhanced 160 kilowatts (214 horsepower) in the Long Range iteration. Irrespective of the chosen variant, however, the maximum torque produced by the motor remains a uniform 188 pound-feet (255 Newton-meters).
According to Hyundai’s official statement, the larger battery featured in the 2024 Kona Electric is capable of being recharged from 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in a speedy and efficient 41 minutes using a fast charger, although the maximum charging rate at which this is achieved remains undisclosed.
Additionally, the communique sheds light on a number of noteworthy features, including the presence of battery preconditioning, which serves to guarantee dependable charging and maintain optimal range during chilly winter weather. The vehicle also boasts an ingeniously designed heated charging door that can withstand frigid temperatures as low as -22° Fahrenheit (-30° Celsius).
The 2024 iteration of the Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a plethora of EV-centric features that add to the vehicle’s already impressive performance and capabilities. One such feature is the revolutionary i-Pedal driving mode that facilitates a novel one-pedal driving experience, while the innovative Smart Regenerative System is designed to automatically adjust the amount of regenerative braking in response to data received from forward traffic flow, thereby enhancing efficiency and control.
Moreover, the vehicle offers a highly coveted Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability that enables both internal and external charging of electronic devices and home appliances, with a maximum power output of 1.63 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) in North America and an even more impressive 3.13 kVA in Europe. In terms of dimensions, the 2024 Kona Electric stakes its claim as one of the most sizable vehicles in the subcompact segment, measuring an astonishing 5.9 inches (150 millimeters) longer than its predecessor, with a total length of 171.4 inches (4,355 mm). Furthermore, the new model is 1 inch (25 millimeters) wider than its predecessor, at a total width of 71.9 inches (1,825 mm), and boasts an increased wheelbase of 2.3 inches (60 millimeters), stretching to 104.7 inches (2,660 mm). Despite these substantial alterations, the model’s height remains relatively unchanged, increasing only marginally to 62 inches (1,575 mm).
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric has undergone a metamorphosis, gaining in size and width, thereby enhancing passenger and luggage space. Its increased dimensions have allowed for the incorporation of high-tech features that offer passengers a unique driving experience. The interior boasts a floating horizontal C-Pad with integrated dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, which are further complemented by a 12-inch head-up display. The driver controls have been relocated around the steering wheel for ease of use.
The subcompact EV also comes loaded with advanced features, such as the Surround View Monitor that provides video footage of the vehicle’s surroundings, a premium Bose sound system, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Specific information relating to the US market, including EPA-estimated range figures, will be revealed at a later date.
Source and Images: InsideEVs