Hyundai Kona Electric was one of the first large OEM vehicles to be introduced in India to be entirely electric. The Hyundai India website no longer lists the 2019-released Kona Electric, raising suspicions that the electric crossover has been removed from the Indian market.
It is believed that Hyundai intends to swap out the Kona Electric for the future Creta EV, which has been often seen being tested on Indian roads in recent months. Production of the all-electric Creta is scheduled to start at the end of this year, with an anticipated launch in India early in 2019.
Why was the Hyundai Kona Electric discontinued?
Arriving in India as fully dismantled kits, the Hyundai Kona Electric was locally assembled at Hyundai India’s Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, factory. As a result, the Kona Electric cost a little more than other models in its class. The Kona Electric was only available in a single “Premium” trim toward the conclusion of its life cycle for Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Kona Electric’s high price prevented it from bringing in enough business for Hyundai. Only 2,329 Kona Electric vehicles have been sold by Hyundai in India in the nearly four years after the vehicle’s launch. Hyundai did not ship any Konas with battery power in April or May of this year. Hyundai has been giving Kona Electric customers significant discounts of up to Rs 2 lakh for almost a year in an effort to get rid of the massive inventory.
A significant update was never given to the Hyundai Kona Electric sold in India; instead, the international markets received a facelift. Hyundai may be attempting to introduce the redesigned Kona Electric to the nation, albeit the likelihood of this happening is slim. There’s a greater likelihood that the Korean automaker would completely discontinue the electric crossover.
Hyundai Kona Electric: Features & Specifications
An electric motor installed on the front axle of the Kona Electric in India produced 395 Nm of peak torque in addition to 134 horsepower. A 39.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provided power for this motor, with a single charge allowing for a peak range of 452 km (ARAI). This battery may be charged from empty to 80 percent full in 57 minutes with a 50kW DC charger.
A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an electric sunroof, cruise control, automated climate control, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support were among the features offered by the Kona EV. Six airbags, standard all-wheel disc brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) made up the safety net.
