- Electric SUV might be the Kona
- Will be imported as CKD, assembled in India
Hyundai has announced the launch of their first all-electric car in India in the second half of the calendar year 2019. Also, the e-SUV will be a part of Make-in-India as it would be brought down as a completely knocked down unit and assembled here.
Hyundai has been a pioneer in the Indian market both in terms of technology as well as products. It was the first one to offer common rail technology in diesels in India and was also the first mover in offering ABS. In terms of cars, Hyundai has introduced India to the premium-hatch segment with the original i20, the segment that has turned out to be one of the highest growing segments almost a decade later.
Hyundai had already displayed their electric intent at the Auto Expo 2018 with the Kona and the Ioniq EVs taking centre-stage. The Nexo FCV was displayed at the India-Korea joint summit a few months ago. Since Hyundai has promised an SUV, it has to be the Kona because the Ioniq is a sedan/notchback and the Nexo in spite of being an SUV, is not electric.
The Hyundai Kona is a Creta-size car and its electric unit develops 133bhp of power and has a certified range of close to 250kms in a single charge. There is a higher-spec version of the Kona as well and it develops 200bhp of power and has a range of closed to 450kms in a single charge. But considering the price tag, the chances of the 133bhp version making it to India are quite high. Because only then, Hyundai might be able to keep the price tag in the 20-lakh range in spite it being assembled in India to lower the taxation.
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