Hyundai has revealed details for its significantly redesigned and enhanced 2022 Kona Electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the US market. The Kona Electric, which was the Korean carmakers first fully-electric car available in the US, plays a key role in Hyundai’s broader electrification strategy.
The new front-wheel-drive Kona Electric powertrain features a high-efficiency 150kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that is powered by 64kWh lithium-ion battery. This battery can deliver up to 258 miles (415km) of range from a full charge, with to 80 percent in approximately 47 minutes using its SAE-Combo charging port.
Kona Electric uses a standard Level-II on-board charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging. This convenient fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. With Level-II charging, it can also charge from 10 to 100 percent in approximately nine hours and 15 minutes.
For convenience the charging port is located in the front grille area for front-in parking ease when topping up. A battery warmer system is standard on SEL Convenience models and above. The system helps prevent excessively long battery-charging intervals in cold temperatures. Also, in Winter Mode, the battery warmer can minimise battery-power losses due to low winter temperatures.
The 2022 Kona Electric sees sleeker and smoother body design with a new bonnet and closed grille. It also features vertical inlets on the front bumper and an air intake in the lower part of the bumper. This all helps with aerodynamics to make the new Kona Electric a more efficient mover.
Hyundai has also added new enhanced LED front lights to the front panel which also feature daytime running lights. The rear lights see an upgrade too. The 2022 Kona is 1.6 inches longer than the previous model, giving it a proportional, dynamic look to balance its wide visual stance.
The new Kona is also equipped with the latest in-car connectivity and technology. New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch navigation centre stack display, bringing with it new connectivity features. The new screen comes with a split-screen function, multiple Bluetooth connections and additional voice-recognition features.
Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America, said: “For 2022 the Kona Electric has been freshly redesigned with new safety and convenience features that ensure they remain at the top of SUV buyer lists. We’re confident this new Kona will exceed the most demanding compact SUV buyer expectations.”
No prices have been released yet but the new Kona Electric, which will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, will arrive in the spring.
