The first model update for the Hyundai Kona Electric is complete. The first pictures and details have been released. They suggest that it will be very interesting for customers who don’t want or can’t afford a model as large and complex as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. We have everything we know so far about the second-generation small electric SUV. It will be available in the U.S. starting in 2024.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Redesign
The 2024 Hyundai Kona electric is bigger than the previous model. This can be seen in its exterior. It measures 171.5 inches. in length, 71.9 in. in width, and 62.2 inches. The 2024 Kona Electric measures 5.9 inches high. longer, 1.0 in. It is also 1.0 inches wider. The first-generation model is taller. The wheelbase now measures 104.7 inches, an increase of 2.3 inches.
The original Kona was designed to be an electric vehicle, but it was later modified to accept internal combustion engines. The 2024 Kona Electric is an electric-first design, even though it isn’t a custom EV. Hyundai used significant dimension increases to create contrast between soft surfaces, and sharp-radius wrinkles, Auto Express reported on March 7, 2023. SangYup Lee was the Executive Vice President and Head at Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center. Lee said that the company learned a lot from the Ioniq 6 model.
The Kona was the first model to feature composite headlamps. This is also known as split headlamps. The model was originally equipped with horizontal lower lamps. However, the 2024 Hyundai Kona features vertical lower (main), lamps as seen on Palisade and Tucson, as well as other Hyundai SUVs. The vertical light assembly is composed of a low beam and a high beam as well as three turn signals.
At the hood is the full-width daytime running lights strip. It was inspired by the Hyundai Galaxy. This DRL is available in an Electric variant. It’s called the “Pixelated Seamless Horn Lamp” and features a pixelated center section. The hood is shorter and flatter than the one that came before it. Thanks to the unique pixel graphic details, the grille area appears more sophisticated. Like the previous model, the charging port for the 2024 Kona Electric is found in the front. The charging port is located in the grille, making head-in charging easier.
The 2024 Kona’s sides feature trapezoidal wheel arches that give it a more aggressive and sharper look. Contrary to the Kona gasoline or hybrid versions, the 2024 Kona has no black wheel arch cladding. This gives it a more elegant and clean look than customers would expect from an electric vehicle. The SUV’s bold appearance is further enhanced by the large Z-shaped character lines on its sides. The SUV’s bold intentions are reflected in the X-shaped graphic that forms at the C-pillar. The panels of rear quarter glass are larger, giving passengers in the rear a better view of the surrounding environment.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona electric’s rear features a monolithic, clean design. It also has a narrow tail light called the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp.’ This lamp extends the width of the SUV to its shoulder. The bumper also features pixel graphic details. Combination lamps are stop lights, reverse lights, and turn indicators. Their design and location are similar to the headlamps. The pixel graphic details seem to include the fog lights/reflectors. A compact, new unit with the same pixel-inspired design is the high-mounted stop lamp.
Interior
The interior design of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is very different from that of the previous model. The new interior design features cues from the Ioniq 5. Hyundai used a new two-tone color scheme that includes light shades. This makes the cabin brighter and more pleasing.
The dashboard of the 2024 Kona Electric is more modern. The 2024 Kona Electric has a dual-display panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3 inches touchscreen infotainment systems together. It also features slimmer central AC vents and climate control panels consisting of physical buttons. A 12-inch head-up display displays key driver information, but it will not be available in the U.S. electronicActive Sound Design(e-ASD), produces a virtual sound according to the vehicle’s speed, torque, motor state, and acceleration through speakers to compensate for the absence of an exhaust system.
The new floor console design has two sections. The front section is tilted more, so there’s no need for a cover to protect the wireless charging area. It supports USB-C, 12-volt, and 180-watt ports. The bottom section has a panel with a rotary dial at the center and switches along the sides. This would allow drivers to select their preferred drive mode via the rotary dial. There’s also an SD card slot to store your SD card and a storage area that has two modular cupholders. The 2024 Kona Electric will offer more convenience for passengers in the rear when it comes to charging their mobile devices. The outgoing model only had one USB-A port. The new EV has two USB-C ports. Rear-seat passengers can charge their devices simultaneously, and much faster, with the redesigned EV.
The 2024 Kona Electric features a steering-wheel-mounted gear selector. It is similar to the Ioniq 5 and has a shiny finish with a ribbed design. The central tunnel can be cleaned by moving the gear selector from behind the steering wheel to the left. This allows for more storage space and makes it easier to store small items. The steering wheel is simpler than the Ioniq 5. The new steering wheel doesn’t feature the two-spoke luxury car-like unit. Some customers will prefer the traditional three-spoke design. The new steering wheel isn’t as chunky as the previous model. The new steering wheel has a circular center pad with four dots. This is Morse Code for H and not the brand logo.
Many buyers will appreciate the fact that there are many physical buttons in the Hyundai Kona Electric’s cabin. Some of these physical controls will enable customers to directly access functions such as media and maps from the infotainment system without having to navigate through touchscreen menus. There are also rotary knobs that control climate control. Customers will no longer have to look at the road to adjust the climate control settings. Knowing the location of the knobs as well as their tactile feel would allow them to control the temperature while keeping their eyes on the road. Many carmakers integrate climate settings into their infotainment. They also add a secondary screen to the center console that is dedicated to climate settings. This can be distracting and difficult to use when you are wearing gloves or have damp fingers.
The steering wheel has several well-designed buttons and rotary dials that can be used for audio, calling, and ADAS. The left spoke has Smart Cruise Control controls and lane driving assistance. On the right, it has Bluetooth, multimedia, and voice command controls. The steering-mounted controls will allow customers to navigate through the different settings of the digital instrument cluster. The intensity of the regenerative brake can be adjusted using paddle shifters located behind the wheel.
The Kona Electric’s interior features a light gray color theme. The outgoing model didn’t have any rear AC vents. However, the new model does. New door panels feature sleeker grab handles, and an electrically adjustable front passenger seat that is similar to the Ioniq 5. Hyundai claims that the new model’s front seat backrests are slimmer, which opens up rear knee space and elevates the feeling of space. A two-stage latch allows you to recline the bench-style rear seat. Second-row passengers have more legroom and headroom than the first-gen model. Hyundai claims that the second-row shoulder space is the best in class. Auto Express reports that first-gen Kona customers requested more cabin space. Hyundai listened to their feedback.
Exterior
Based on customer feedback, Hyundai also increased the cargo area. The cargo area of the 2024 Kona Electric is 25.5 cubic feet. The 2024 Kona Electric has a cargo capacity of 25.5 cu. ft. This is 33% more than the previous model. The cargo area is 63.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This is a 39% increase in space. It is much easier to load cargo items into the cargo area thanks to the customizable tailgate with smart power and larger load space. A frunk provides 0.95 cu. ft.
Engine
The 2024 Hyundai Kona electric will be offered in the U.S. in Standard Range and Long Range power–electric configurations. Both are front-wheel-driven. The motor of the 2024 Kona Electric Standard Range produces 99 kW (133 horsepower) and 255 Nm (188 lb.ft.) respectively. The battery pack is 48.6kWh in energy storage and Hyundai estimates it will deliver a range of up to 197 miles.
The motor of the 2024 Kona Electric Long Range produces 150 kW (201 horsepower) and 255 Nm (188 lb.-ft.). The battery pack is 64.8 kWh larger and Hyundai estimates it can deliver a range of 260 miles. Customers who need a range greater than 300 miles will have to upgrade to Ioniq 5. Long-range models have a bi-directional, onboard charger that supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L). Customers can charge or power their devices. An accessory V2L adapter is needed to plug in appliances and devices. Hyundai advises customers not to use appliances that draw more than 16 amps.
Customers can now enjoy the convenience of one-pedal driving with the new i-PEDAL system. The second-generation model also features a charging port lamp for door lamps, which allows visibility in dark areas. Customers won’t have to worry about the charge flap freezing in cold temperatures below -30oC (-22degF) thanks to battery preconditioning
Production
S.Korean publication Electronic Times Internet reported that Hyundai had begun production in Ulsan, South Korea, on December 12, 2022. Electronic Times Internet published a report on November 7th 2022 stating that the company has five plants in the area. The all-new Kona production comes from Plant No.1, the same plant as the outgoing model. Also, Plant No. 3.
Hyundai stopped production at Ulsan Plant 3 times during the first half of 2022 and then installed a new production line to produce the 2024 Kona. According to Electronic Times Internet’s November 20,22 report, it was planning to first make the Hybrid and regular variants and then start producing the Electric variant. The Kona Electric is also manufactured by Hyundai in Nosovice (Czech Republic) since March 2020. This factory supplies the European market with Kona Electric. The second generation may see a separate regional production.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Price & Release Date
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric made its U.S. debut on April 5, 2023, at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. It will be available in U.S. dealers by the end of fall 2023. This should allow its 2023 Kia Niro Electric EV cousin enough time to settle in the market. Kona Electric, the outgoing Kona Electric, just experienced its best-ever quarter in the U.S.A. in 2023.
Hyundai Motor Group reached 1 million sales in January 2023. 601,448 of the one million EVs sold were Genesis- and Hyundai-based models. Kona Electric, which contributed 256,907 units to the overall sales of electric vehicles, was the most popular model of the Hyundai Motor Company. It also owns and operates Genesis and Hyundai brands. Hyundai will introduce several new ZEVs in the future. These include the Hyundai Ioniq 7, HyundaiStaria Fuel Cell, and the new Hyundai Nexo.