2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Offers Smaller Battery Option for Shorter Trips

pcmag.com:

NEW YORK—Hyundai debuted the 2024 Kona Electric at the New York International Auto Show here today. The small SUV, the second-generation Kona Electric, will hit dealers later this year.

Hyundai's new and improved dash screen gives the vehicle an upscale, futuristic feel. "Among the upgrades are dual, 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, Digital Key 2 Touch, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment system," Hyundai says.

This is the first time the Kona will have OTA updates, though Hyundai's other EVs, such as the Ioniq 5 and 6, already offer them.

Another first for the Kona: two battery sizes options. The standard battery holds 48.6kWh of power for 197 miles of range. The larger, 64.8kWh battery will have 260 miles of range. (Both range estimates are according to Hyundai internal estimates and are awaiting EPA finalization).

For reference, the current 2023 Kona Electric(Opens in a new window) also travels around 260 miles on a single charge, so the major change here is the addition of a smaller battery option rather than a larger one. Hyundai has not revealed price for either version yet.

Drivers can precondition the battery to improve performance in colder temperatures. At night, a new charging door light illuminates the port. The larger battery charges from 10-80% in 43 minutes on a public, 400-volt fast charger, which is standard for an EV of its price and battery size.

The cabin is roomier than its predecessor. "The front seats are 30% slimmer to maximize rear passenger legroom and the second row Curveless Bench Seat also enhances available space," Hyundai says. "Even more, a two-stage latching system allows rear seat reclining."

Hyundai also simplified the cockpit by