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Petrol and diesel prices have always been on the increase making the everyday car users pay through the nose. Moreover, stringent emission norms to keep the environmental pollution under check has encouraged car manufacturers around the globe to look for greener and more ecofriendly alternatives. Hyundai, a technologically advanced car manufacturer has taken a giant leap in this direction with the Kona electric vehicle (EV) which, coincidentally, is also the world’s first compact electric SUV.
Convenient and fast charging
With a full-charge time of 9 hours and 35 minutes, you can just plug the Kona EV into a home wall box/AC charging switch before you go to bed and it will be ready take you places by the time you wake up. And, if you need a top-up on the road, the 100kW DC fast charger at the charging stations will juice-up the compact SUV up to 80 per cent in just 54 minutes.
Impressive performer and long lasting battery life
The Kona EV is powered by a 39.2kWh battery pack that provides a driving range of 452kms. The recuperative braking systems let you charge the battery by using the electric motor to slow the car. Moreover, the driver can easily adjust the level of recuperative braking through the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. To deliver the best of driving experience, the Kona gets different driving modes - Eco plus, Eco, Comfort and Sport.
Easy on the pocket
Several study reports reveal that the per kilometer running cost of an EV is nearly five times lower than the cost of driving a gasoline powered vehicle. The Kona Electric comes with a five year/unlimited km warranty, and an eight year/unlimited km warranty for the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery pack. Interestingly, repairing an EV is quite easy and hassle-free as it gets around 20 moving parts as opposed to over 2,000 moving parts in any conventional car.
It loves your family too
The combustion engine version of the Hyundai Kona has earned a full five-star rating in the safety test conducted by Euro NCAP. Based on similar fundamentals, there is no shortage of safety equipment on the Kona Electric, as it gets autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, hill-start assistance and lane-keeping assistance. Additionally, the standard safety equipment list includes mandatory electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags. The higher trims further feature blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, active lane-keeping assistance and a head-up display.
Exemplifies your personality and loaded with features
The Hyundai Kona EV is a visual charmer and it exemplifies your personality. Unless you spot the unique grille, you really can’t call it different from any regular compact SUV. The EV also gets a discrete composite LED headlamp on the bumper that gives it an iconic look. The sleek LED DRLs with turn indicators sit high above as a separate unit which are connected by a single-slat chrome insert. The black two-toned roof further elevates its urban look and youthful charm. Furthermore, the vehicle rides on a set of exclusive Aero wheels.
As for the interior, the dashboard and controls of the Kona EV are largely similar to its regular combustion engine sibling. The head-up display unit projects important information like speed, navigation commands and warnings in the line of sight. Moreover, the display audio system with a seven-inch colour LCD touchscreen comes with an integrated rear-view camera and also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional eight-inch touchscreen integrates 2D navigation, media and connectivity features. Additionally, the vehicle gets a heated steering wheel nd heated/ventilated seats. Overall, the layout of the controls is simple and plush. What’s more, it comes with a free LIVE Services subscription that lets you access real-time information on EV charging stations, on and off street parking and Hyundai dealerships.
Is Kona an everyday commuter?
Yes, it indeed is a very good option for your daily commutes. The future clearly belongs to the EVs as they are not just cleaner, but also more efficient and deliver superior performance over the conventional type. Be it long commutes or short, the Hyundai Kona has got your back.
