During this week’s New York auto show, Hyundai unveiled details for the 2024 Kona Electric, Kona Limited, and Kona N Line gasoline models. However, the announcement did not include plans for the Kona Hybrid, despite its importance in the revised Kona’s global rollout. According to spokesperson Miles Johnson, hybrid versions of the Kona are not part of the plan for the U.S. The redesigned Kona lineup aims to significantly raise Kona EV sales, which currently make up about 6% of total Kona sales. The Kona Electric will feature a standard-range version with a preliminary EPA range of 197 miles, which may help broaden its sales despite its ineligibility for the revamped EV tax credit. The longer-range version will increase its battery pack capacity to 64.8 kWh, increasing its preliminary EPA range to 260 miles. The decision not to bring the Kona Hybrid may have been influenced by its rather slow acceleration. The Kona Electric does not operate on the 800-volt architecture like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 but can charge from 10% to 80% in 43 minutes with an increasingly common 150-kW CCS fast-charging connector. The Kona Electric’s design is sleeker and more distinctive than the outgoing model, featuring “Parametric Pixel” lighting. The 2024 Kona Electric will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall.
Hyundai omits Kona Hybrid in US, opts for budget-friendly Kona EV instead.
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I have not yet purchased a Kona Electric, but I am interested in doing so. I think it is a great idea that Hyundai is planning to significantly raise Kona EV sales. I think the decision not to bring the Kona Hybrid may have been influenced by its rather slow acceleration. I think the Kona Electric’s design is sleeker and more distinctive than the outgoing model, and I think it is a great idea that it will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall.
I think it’s interesting that Hyundai is not planning to bring the Kona Hybrid to the US market. I’m guessing that the slow acceleration is one of the reasons why. I think it’s a shame because I think hybrids can be a great option for people who want to reduce their emissions but don’t necessarily want to go all-electric.
I am surprised that Hyundai did not include plans for the Kona Hybrid in their announcement for the 2024 Kona Electric, Kona Limited, and Kona N Line gasoline models. I think the Kona Hybrid is an important part of the global rollout for the redesigned Kona lineup. I’m interested to see how the Kona Electric performs in the US market.