Hyundai today unveiled the U.S.-market version of its convention-breaking Kona Electric crossover at the New York Auto Show. 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 available in the fourth quarter of 2018, with initial availability in California and subsequently in the ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.
The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 395 Nm of torque distributed to the front wheels through a 7.981 axle ratio.
It utilizes a Level-II on-board charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics. Kona Electric estimated range is a segment-leading 402 km, meeting the varying needs of owner lifestyles. A full charge can be achieved in 54 minutes with a Level-III quick charge (zero to 80 percent charge @ 100 kW), using the SAE-Combo charging port, while a 7.2 kW Level-II charger takes nine hours and thirty-five minutes.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut system using an innovative sub-frame bushing design for enhanced comfort and reduced NVH. The MacPherson strut design uses gas-filled shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar for lower weight and enhanced responsiveness. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires give surefooted, agile handling character on a variety of road surfaces.
All Kona Electric models employ a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension design for overall agility, ride comfort and stability with minimal ride vs. handling compromises. Its geometry was specially designed for refined body movement on a variety of surfaces. Rear suspension control arm design also minimizes camber and toe changes throughout the suspension travel range.
Differentiated driving modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) optimize torque distribution, tailoring Kona Electric to a variety of driving preferences and purposes. In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration, while Normal and Eco modes progressively prioritize range over performance with more conservative power- delivery strategies.
Kona Electric offers advanced active safety features, including standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously. Three additional systems also utilize the standard front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (on LED-headlight- equipped models), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Kona Electric radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to help detect approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during highway driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison-Avoidance Assist helps detect when another vehicle may have entered the car’s rearward path, such as backing out of a parking spot, and may provide a driver alert and automatic braking assistance.
