Recently published EPA ratings peg the combined range of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric at 261 miles, up three miles from the 2023 model year. European WLTP testing estimates the vehicle’s range at 319 miles.
We’ve seen many general comparisons between this car and other small electric crossovers, like the Volvo EX30. But how does the Kona fare when tested at extended highway speeds of 75 mph?
To find out, YouTube creator Chris Riva put the updated Kona to a highway efficiency test. It also provides some general ideas about the car and its charging capabilities.
What’s new in Kona Electric 2024
The 2024 Kona Electric is expected to be launched in the US market this year, but it has been in the European market for several months. The Kona Electric Long Range model has access to 64.8 kWh from its battery, a slight increase from 64 kWh over the outgoing model. The next generation Kona Electric also features new exterior and interior design.
Conditions were pretty ideal at the start of this test. Temperatures were around 14°C (57°F), roads were dry and traffic was minimal. Wind speeds were low and astern in the first phase of the drive.
Chris was impressed with the car’s efficiency at this early stage. After about 30 minutes on the road in mixed driving, it covered 53 kilometers (33 miles) with an average consumption of 20.3 kWh per 62 miles (100 kilometers). This is a good result but not unexpected considering the driving was a mix of city and highway with relatively mild weather and low wind speeds.
Despite the low tailwind, Chris notes that the car has more wind and road noise at these higher speeds than he expected. He adds: “There are cars in this category that are much quieter, but they are not too bad. This isn’t an expensive electric car, so I wouldn’t expect it to remain completely silent.
Halfway through the test, the car was still able to achieve 20.5 kWh/62 mph. At this point, Chris exited the highway and re-entered, heading in the opposite direction, but this time against the wind, heading back in the direction he had come.
After completing the return trip, he ended up returning to the starting location with an average consumption of 21.4 kWh/62 miles. Unsurprisingly, efficiency was hampered on the second half of this flight, at least in part by a slight headwind. This was very similar to the result Chris saw when highway testing the Volvo EX30, which averaged 21.7 kWh/62 mi (100 km).
By the end of the test, the Kona Electric had traveled 132 miles (213 km) and finished the drive with an estimated range of 33 miles (53 km) and 18% battery remaining.
At this point, he quickly tested the Kona Electric’s charging capabilities. After giving it a moment to top up, the Kona pulled 90 kilowatts from a 150 kilowatt charging station at a 19% state of charge. This is reasonable enough, considering that the rated maximum speed is 100kW.
Based on the size and efficiency of the Kona’s package, Chris estimates that if his trip continues, he could reach 184 miles (296 km), which is a bit longer than the car was estimated when he finished testing. This would be good for 62.6% of the official WLTP rating of 294 miles (473 km). That’s not as strong as the Volvo EX30’s score, which achieved 63.6% of the WLTP test range. However, since Chris did not run the car to zero in this test, his judgment should not be taken as sacrosanct.
For comparison’s sake, if we instead use the EPA’s 261-mile rating, this tester manages 70.5% of its combined city/highway range estimate. So, it’s not great, but it’s certainly not a bad showing for Hyundai’s smallest electric car.
What are your thoughts on Kona Electric’s efficiency? Did you expect a better result given the testing conditions? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
