Hyundai Kona Electric - 64 kWh with range up to 470km coming later this year

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Hyundai Kona Electric - 64 kWh with range up to 470km coming later this year

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84 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 2039783 18-Jun-2018 14:47

Thankyou Frednz for posting the link to the Kona video .I found it fascinating. I do not understand Chinese ,that did not seem to matter.

What I really meant to say was Kona Electric being a petrol/ e v cassis is shown up in that video. You can see that compromises have to made somewhere when you are not building a purpose built vehicle .I think you can notice it in the video you posted the link for. You can see where the petrol Konas prop shaft would normally be .Not to criticize, just to show that compromises have to be made. I do not have any doubts about its integrity.I hope they sell thousands of them here.

Just a side note on the likely cost. I hope you are way out with your estimate Frednz, but you may prove to be correct.

The 39KWh version Trend was listed at 32K Euro, the 64KWh version in the Trend style is 36K Euro ,sold in Germany, as mentioned by a guy who posted a reply in my first link to Bjorn Nylands first look video. I wonder if these prices will be similar in this country?To think they will be similar here may be being a bit to optimistic.

wellygary

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Reply # 2039830 18-Jun-2018 15:19

I'm not really sure if that was a production version or not, or whether the "protection" had been removed to show the battery pack....

Here's a production IONIQ on a hoist, the weather and road proofing of the battery is completely different, and what I would expect from a production model,

MikeAqua

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Reply # 2039849 18-Jun-2018 15:42

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If I had $70k to spend on an SUV, I couldn't stop myself from buying a new Pajero instead.

And I'd still have close to $10k left for diesel and RUC.

Mike

frednz

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Reply # 2039913 18-Jun-2018 16:46

Dinga96:

Thankyou Frednz for posting the link to the Kona video .I found it fascinating. I do not understand Chinese ,that did not seem to matter.

What I really meant to say was Kona Electric being a petrol/ e v cassis is shown up in that video. You can see that compromises have to made somewhere when you are not building a purpose built vehicle .I think you can notice it in the video you posted the link for. You can see where the petrol Konas prop shaft would normally be .Not to criticize, just to show that compromises have to be made. I do not have any doubts about its integrity.I hope they sell thousands of them here.

Just a side note on the likely cost. I hope you are way out with your estimate Frednz, but you may prove to be correct.

The 39KWh version Trend was listed at 32K Euro, the 64KWh version in the Trend style is 36K Euro ,sold in Germany, as mentioned by a guy who posted a reply in my first link to Bjorn Nylands first look video. I wonder if these prices will be similar in this country?To think they will be similar here may be being a bit to optimistic.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2019-hyundai-kona-electric-recalibrates-eco-cuv-formula-with-an-impressive-250-miles-of-estimated-range-300620685.html

In the above article, it mentions that:

The Kona Electric compact platform has been developed to give customers CUV-like ground clearance and an elevated, command seating position to provide better visibility and comfort on long journeys, as well as easy ingress and egress. Rear suspension component intrusion is minimized, allowing for a lower load floor and seating position to deliver impressive headroom and ease of access for rear occupants. Designers maximized interior space for storage versatility, meeting the requirements of eco customers with active lifestyle pursuits. Split-folding rear seats fold flat via a dual-level load floor that yields additional vertical space and allows easy access for a variety of recreational equipment. As a result, Kona Electric offers a generous 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo volume, exactly the same volume as the Kona with an internal combustion engine.

Because some previous posts suggest that the ground clearance of the Hyundai 64 kWh Kona may be quite low, I was interested to read in the above article that the Kona Electric has been developed to give customers "CUV-like" ground clearance.

The ground clearance of the Hyundai Kona petrol version is 170mm (about 6.7 inches) which compares with 140mm (about 5.5 inches) for the Hyundai Ioniq. So how low to the ground is too low, 5.5 inches isn't much clearance but nobody seems to complain about it?

I haven't yet found the ground clearance for the 64 kWh Kona, but if anyone does come across this please post it to this thread.

The main point is whether or not the design of the 64 kWh Kona provides enough ground clearance and battery protection given that the battery is bolted on underneath the vehicle, but because of the "CUV-like" ground clearance mentioned above, it looks like this won't be an issue, but it would be good to see some specifications that back this up.

frednz

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Reply # 2039920 18-Jun-2018 17:16

wellygary:

I'm not really sure if that was a production version or not, or whether the "protection" had been removed to show the battery pack....

Here's a production IONIQ on a hoist, the weather and road proofing of the battery is completely different, and what I would expect from a production model,

Thanks for the link to that video, although the Ioniq only has a ground clearance of 140mm, it looks like the battery is well protected.

Because the battery of the 64 kWh Kona is a lot bigger than that of the 28 kWh Ioniq, it would be good to also put a NZ 64 kWh Kona up on a hoist and have a look around to ensure that the battery is well protected and that there is sufficient ground clearance.

I guess people who have already paid deposits to purchase the Kona are satisfied that everything's OK, but it would be a lot better if the exact prices and specifications could be published soon by Hyundai, both for the "standard" 64 kWh model and also the "elite" 64 kWh model. It seems unusual to me that Hyundai is accepting deposits from customers for this vehicle when the above information (or even a brochure) doesn't seem to be readily available.

Other than the Kona EV which has been on display in Hamilton, I wonder whether prospective buyers will be able to see and test drive the vehicle soon in other NZ centres?

Insanekiwi

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Reply # 2040039 18-Jun-2018 21:12

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Was advised Hyundai dealer that the Elite model will be around 79999. A bit too expensive for what it is I reckon. Rather buy a Volvo XC40 top spec or XC60 demo high level trim for that money. Nice range though...

Dinga96

84 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 2040492 19-Jun-2018 14:12

MikeAqua:

If I had $70k to spend on an SUV, I couldn't stop myself from buying a new Pajero instead.

And I'd still have close to $10k left for diesel and RUC.

So Mike the Pajero costs would probably be more over its life time than the Kona.Of course if you need a vehicle to tow a heavy load then that's the best option or something similar.Looking ahead a few years and no one is investing in Diesel any more.Governments will start to phase out the use of Diesel towards the end of the next decade .

surfisup1000

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Reply # 2040494 19-Jun-2018 14:17

afe66:

Ive seen the petrol version and while the ev ranges look great, the boot looked a little small for my uses. ie smaller than the leaf.

Will be interesting to see the price difference between between the different batteries.

Realistically the longest distance i'll drive is Dunedin to Wanaka ?300km and would be ok with a single charge on route so the 40kwh version would be enough.

More would be nice but not sure worth the extra cash though..

Jag f pace looked nice and I might see if there are any demo versions of the iPace when i head to the uk in November.

(also going to see if I can hire a Tesla for a day)

How would terrain and road curvature affect range?

I'm guessing the range specs are based on optimum conditions (straight level road at optimum efficient speed).

MikeAqua

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Reply # 2040649 19-Jun-2018 17:16

Dinga96:

So Mike the Pajero costs would probably be more over its life time than the Kona.Of course if you need a vehicle to tow a heavy load then that's the best option or something similar.Looking ahead a few years and no one is investing in Diesel any more.Governments will start to phase out the use of Diesel towards the end of the next decade .

Are you sure? The lifetime of the Kona is unproven. Paj has clocked up close to 250k and is 14 years young, without a single reliability problem. I just had a leak-down test and another couple of long term wear tests done and it's all in very good shape.

To be fair it's not a valid comparison, a better comparison for the Kona would be the Mitsi ASX - $42k for top of line petrol or $46k for the oil burner (although I don't see the point of small diesel's here in NZ).

I agree that manufacturers won't be building small diesels in ten years.

But I think bigger SUVs and utes will be available for longer.

Mike

Ge0rge

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Reply # 2040685 19-Jun-2018 18:33

MikeAqua:
Dinga96:

Governments will start to phase out the use of Diesel towards the end of the next decade .

But I think bigger SUVs and utes will be available for longer.

I think you're right Mike, and have to disagree with Dinga - mining, construction, costal shipping, long haul trucking and even the military aren't going to be moving away from Diesel any time soon.

frednz

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Reply # 2040768 19-Jun-2018 21:29

Insanekiwi: Was advised Hyundai dealer that the Elite model will be around 79999. A bit too expensive for what it is I reckon. Rather buy a Volvo XC40 top spec or XC60 demo high level trim for that money. Nice range though...

Yes, considering that the elite petrol version of the Hyundai Kona costs around $42,000, I'm a bit surprised that there's a likely $80,000 price tag on an equivalent 64 kWh EV version.

But. it's really early days for EVs yet and I guess by the end of the year there will be second-hand 64 kWh Konas being imported that will sell for around $60,000. Even that's a lot for such a vehicle, but I'm sure the prices of new EVs must come down in a year or two? If not, the market for EVs will stay as "niche" for a long time to come, which is a real pity for the environment as people will continue to prefer petrol vehicles.

MikeAqua

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Reply # 2040931 20-Jun-2018 11:02

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One could by the Kona petrol and offset emmissions.

Mike

Linuxluver

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Reply # 2044008 26-Jun-2018 11:40

frednz:

Insanekiwi: Was advised Hyundai dealer that the Elite model will be around 79999. A bit too expensive for what it is I reckon. Rather buy a Volvo XC40 top spec or XC60 demo high level trim for that money. Nice range though...

Yes, considering that the elite petrol version of the Hyundai Kona costs around $42,000, I'm a bit surprised that there's a likely $80,000 price tag on an equivalent 64 kWh EV version.

But. it's really early days for EVs yet and I guess by the end of the year there will be second-hand 64 kWh Konas being imported that will sell for around $60,000. Even that's a lot for such a vehicle, but I'm sure the prices of new EVs must come down in a year or two? If not, the market for EVs will stay as "niche" for a long time to come, which is a real pity for the environment as people will continue to prefer petrol vehicles.

I suspect they have a limit on the number they can make globally and are rationing on price. NZ's share of that could be as small as in the dozens of vehicles except for any larger fleet sales.

You can have one if you're willing to pay for it. Demand is strong for these in markets with incentives and a more valuable currency.

NZ suffers because incomes are comparatively lower in major currency terms and there are no real incentives to expand what small market there is at this price point.

3rd-party importers have a viable business model for some time ahead.

____________________________________________________
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Dinga96

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Master Geek
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Reply # 2044146 26-Jun-2018 14:56

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Linuxluver:

frednz:

Insanekiwi: Was advised Hyundai dealer that the Elite model will be around 79999. A bit too expensive for what it is I reckon. Rather buy a Volvo XC40 top spec or XC60 demo high level trim for that money. Nice range though...

Yes, considering that the elite petrol version of the Hyundai Kona costs around $42,000, I'm a bit surprised that there's a likely $80,000 price tag on an equivalent 64 kWh EV version.

But. it's really early days for EVs yet and I guess by the end of the year there will be second-hand 64 kWh Konas being imported that will sell for around $60,000. Even that's a lot for such a vehicle, but I'm sure the prices of new EVs must come down in a year or two? If not, the market for EVs will stay as "niche" for a long time to come, which is a real pity for the environment as people will continue to prefer petrol vehicles.

I suspect they have a limit on the number they can make globally and are rationing on price. NZ's share of that could be as small as in the dozens of vehicles except for any larger fleet sales.

You can have one if you're willing to pay for it. Demand is strong for these in markets with incentives and a more valuable currency.

NZ suffers because incomes are comparatively lower in major currency terms and there are no real incentives to expand what small market there is at this price point.

3rd-party importers have a viable business model for some time ahead.

Assuming all this speculation is right ,why then is Hyundai even bothering?What I mean is, it seems a daft proposition for a major car brand to promote something and then turn around and say, well we only have this model and it is the elite one and by the way their is only a few being made .In other words why waste money on the thing to the point of flying one out here for an agg show. No point promoting something if you can not come up with a reasonably priced product that people will want.If they do stick to the $80000 price tag on the Kona EV, I believe it will sell in very low numbers.I may be wrong , just can not see people prepared to pay that much money for a vehicle that is essentially not a premium car brand.

frednz

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Reply # 2044211 26-Jun-2018 17:00

Dinga96:

Assuming all this speculation is right ,why then is Hyundai even bothering?What I mean is, it seems a daft proposition for a major car brand to promote something and then turn around and say, well we only have this model and it is the elite one and by the way their is only a few being made .In other words why waste money on the thing to the point of flying one out here for an agg show. No point promoting something if you can not come up with a reasonably priced product that people will want.If they do stick to the $80000 price tag on the Kona EV, I believe it will sell in very low numbers.I may be wrong , just can not see people prepared to pay that much money for a vehicle that is essentially not a premium car brand.

I haven't seen any statement from Hyundai which says that the only model being imported into NZ is the elite one and that the price of this will be $80,000. I have seen a few rumours on Facebook etc to this effect, but the official line from Hyundai is that no prices for NZ have yet been released.

This puzzles me a little because it has been reported that some people have already ordered the 64 kWh Kona so that they can be first in line to get one, when it arrives. And even the arrival date hasn't been announced by Hyundai yet and at the moment you can't take one for a test drive.

When someone places an order for a vehicle, you would think that a price would have to be specified, but how can a dealer specify a price if Hyundai say that no prices have yet been finalised? Again, it has been rumoured that the order price is $79,999, but couldn't Hyundai could come up with a "final" price that's well below or above this?

I agree that third-party importers have a viable business model for some time ahead if the EV version of the Hyundai Kona is going to retail for nearly double the amount of the petrol based version. This is a pity, because a lot of potential EV buyers just won't buy second-hand imported EVs, even if they are substantially cheaper than the NZ-New ones.

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