Enhanced Hyundai Kona Electric coming to Europe in late 2019.
Hyundai re-released the announcement about upcoming upgrades for the Hyundai Kona Electric, which first appeared for a while and then was deleted.
The South Korean manufacturer says that the demand for Kona Electric exceeded its expectations (and production capacity too).
The new model year 2020 in Europe (or “in many European markets” to be precise) will be upgraded and get the very important (in most European countries) 11 kW three-phase on-board charger instead of single-phase 7.2 kW.
“The Kona Electric will make available a three-phase charger that can charge the battery pack with up to 11 kW, making compact electric SUV drivers even more flexible in their everyday lives. This charging capacity allows for significantly shorter charging times using public 3-phase AC charging stations or with a private compatible wall box at home.”
Deliveries of the enhanced Kona Electric are scheduled from the end of 2019 and hopefully, this time the contracted production capacity is higher.
The three-phase charger is not the only improvement as Hyundai lists also:
- New connectivity features added with Hyundai Blue Link®
- New optional navigation system with 10.25-inch center display, standard new eCall safety feature
Here are the details:
“Another useful feature for the latest Kona Electric is Blue Link® telematics: Hyundai’s Connected Car service in select markets* enables drivers to start their Kona Electric using the Blue Link smartphone app, as well as activate the climate control before setting off on a trip to heat or cool the interior of the car on cold or hot days. It is also possible to unlock the car doors remotely by entering the Blue Link User PIN. In addition, Blue Link serves as a convenient diagnostic tool, notifying customers of any service that requires attention or where the driver last parked the car. Standard eCall service – which in addition to the manual eCall button automatically contacts emergency services in the case of a more serious road incident resulting in the airbag sensors being triggered – is also there to assist passengers.
As an available upgrade now as well, customers will be able to choose the latest satellite navigation package with new 10.25-inch AVN centre display touch-screen and wide split-screen graphic user interface (GUI). Meanwhile, passengers sitting in the rear of the Kona Electric can benefit from new rear heated seats that are now available.”
Hyundai Motor to upgrade Kona Electric
- Hyundai Motor extends its leading position in the future mobility segment
- Faster three-phase charging offered in many European markets
- New connectivity features added with Hyundai Blue Link®
- New optional navigation system with 10.25-inch centre display, standard new eCall safety feature
– The Hyundai Kona Electric has exceeded customer demand across Europe, thanks to its powerful electric drivetrain, long driving range and its stylish SUV looks.
The Hyundai Kona Electric has exceeded customer demand across Europe, thanks to its powerful electric drivetrain, long driving range and its stylish SUV looks. With demand for the original Kona Electric having surpassed all expectations, Hyundai is now already announcing the enhanced specification of the new model year Kona Electric. With newly offered features like an 11-kW three-phase on-board AC charger cable, Kona Electric increases its appeal to environmentally conscious drivers seeking no-compromise future mobility. Deliveries of the upgraded Kona Electric will begin in European markets from the end of 2019.
After its first full year of sales, Kona has captured new customer groups and significantly contributed to Hyundai’s strong position in the trending segment of compact SUVs. The impressive worldwide demand for the popular Kona Electric version in particular has exceeded even Hyundai’s expectations. Hyundai is responding to this pent-up demand by announcing the latest enhancements planned for the emission-free SUV.
Another useful feature for the latest Kona Electric is Blue Link® telematics: Hyundai’s Connected Car service in select markets* enables drivers to start their Kona Electric using the Blue Link smartphone app, as well as activate the climate control before setting off on a trip to heat or cool the interior of the car on cold or hot days. It is also possible to unlock the car doors remotely by entering the Blue Link User PIN. In addition, Blue Link serves as a convenient diagnostic tool, notifying customers of any service that requires attention or where the driver last parked the car. Standard eCall service – which in addition to the manual eCall button automatically contacts emergency services in the case of a more serious road incident resulting in the airbag sensors being triggered – is also there to assist passengers.
As an available upgrade now as well, customers will be able to choose the latest satellite navigation package with new 10.25-inch AVN centre display touch-screen and wide split-screen graphic user interface (GUI). Meanwhile, passengers sitting in the rear of the Kona Electric can benefit from new rear heated seats that are now available.
With emission-free, connected vehicles such as the Kona Electric, Hyundai is not only one of the pioneers for clean mobility, but is also striving constantly to meet the demands of the growing number of consumers for more eco-friendly cars.
Thomas A. SchmidChief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe
The Kona Electric will make available a three-phase charger that can charge the battery pack with up to 11 kW, making compact electric SUV drivers even more flexible in their everyday lives. This charging capacity allows for significantly shorter charging times using public 3-phase AC charging stations or with a private compatible wall box at home. The convenient and quick charging option makes the compact SUV ultimately practical for any driving situation. Choosing ECO mode optimises the driving performance in terms of battery capacity and helps achieve maximum driving range.
The charging control system provides information on the expected charging times and ranges at a glance. In case only partial charge is required, or if the Kona is to be charged at a specific time, consumers can easily programme both options in advance. These functions can also be managed via the Blue Link app on your smartphone.
The progressive range of hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles which Hyundai is steadily expanding, is one of the company’s key success factors. In addition to the Kona Electric, environmentally conscious drivers may choose from a future mobility portfolio consisting of the IONIQ electrified trio of models (Hybrid, Plug-in, Electric), 48-Volt hybrid versions of Tucson and the fuel cell-powered NEXO. This portfolio makes Hyundai a market leader in electrified vehicles, offering consumers an unprecedented choice of low-emission to zero-emission vehicles.
*Exact Blue Link features offered as standard or optional may vary depending on the market in which Kona Electric is acquired by the customer.