Hyundai has high hopes for the modernised urban SUV after introducing its next-gen Kona electric model on Tuesday. The South Korean carmaker predicts that the new Kona EV would outsell its gasoline- and hybrid-powered alternatives in terms of sales.
In 2018, Hyundai unveiled the first Kona electric variant, one year following the gas-powered model debuted in North America and Korea.
Numbers Talk
The Hyundai Kona mini-SUV, or “lifestyle SUV,” was created to meet the increasing need for a compact B-segment SUV while also enhancing the segment’s options.
The subcompact SUV was completely remodelled for the 2021 model year with a more sporty exterior and an aerodynamic front fascia, and the implications have been astounding Among of the best-selling EVs in Europe, Hyundai’s electric Kona came in tenth place with over 41,000 units sold in 2022.
The fact that the electric model, which made up roughly 40% of the lineup’s sales last year, is continuing to attract greater interest than its gas and hybrid counterparts, may be more significant than anything else.
Second Generation Kona EV
With the 2nd generation Kona EV, which has a range of more than 300 WLTP miles, Hyundai capitalised on the popularity of the 1st generation vehicle (for the larger 65.4 kWh battery option).
Range, however, only plays a minor role in the Kona electric update. The new Kona surpasses its predecessor in terms of aerodynamics, features, and appearance in addition to a “EV-led” facelift.
Hyundai Kona EV will sell more than gasoline and hybrid vehicles
Hyundai Europe President Michael Cole told Auto News Europe that he anticipates selling more Kona electric cars than the gas and hybrid versions.
Under Cole’s projection, the electric compact SUV will make up 60% of the Kona lineup, which also includes combustion and full-hybrid variants, up from 40% in 2022.
Worked on Customer Feedback
Hyundai has used user feedback into its most recent iteration to help it get there. SangYup Lee, chief of design of Hyundai, stated to Automotive News:
‘Consumers requested a bigger tailgate and more inside room. We came through, making the wheelbase of the Kona 60 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and 20 mm higher.’
Different from IONIQ Line
The new Kona electric, according to Lee, was purposefully made to be distinct from the IONIQ 5 SUV and IONIQ 6 electric car, fitting together ” Similar to ” a cheese board.”
The Kona also differentiates from the IONIQ line in that it is powered by a modified version of the automaker’s 400V K3 electric architecture from earlier Kona models. The IONIQ 5 and 6 versions, which utilise Hyundai’s exclusive E-GMP technology, provide ultrafast charging with a range of 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. Hyundai estimates that the Kona EV will arrive in 41 minutes.
What Does E-AutoArena Feel
Not much of a surprise that Hyundai is positive about its EV outselling its gas and hybrid variants as they have upgraded the Kona EV with a vivid design, enhanced features and longer range.
Kona Electric was placed sixth in 2022 by selling 41,448 units as against 58,000 units for its gas & hybrid model, which was the 3rd best-selling vehicle last year.
With the award winning IONIQ 5 already ruling sales, IONIQ 6 set to roll out soon and Kona Electric bringing up the sales numbers, 2023 looks absolutely a monumental year for the Korean Automaker.
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