The new entry-level Hyundai Kona Electric, equipped with a 48.6 kWh battery pack, was recently listed on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, revealing its official range and energy consumption ratings.
The combined EPA range is 200 miles, compared to 261 miles for the regular version with a 64.8 kWh battery. The switch to a 33% higher battery capacity translates to a 30.5% higher range, suggesting that the smaller version should be more efficient.
Hyundai Kona Electric lineup
In 2024, the Hyundai Kona Electric will be available, for the first time, in the United States with two battery sizes – 48.6 and 64.8 kWh. Both models are among the most affordable with an effective price (MSRP + DST) of US$34,010 and US$38,010 respectively.
It will be interesting to see if the 200-mile Hyundai Kona Electric will appeal to customers looking for a basic electric vehicle. The difference between the two is $4,000 or more than $65 per mile of additional range.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE (48.6 kWh) with 17-inch wheels, including charging losses, is estimated at 118 miles per gallon (MPGe) or about 286 watt-hours per mile (3.5 mph) , which is one of the best results among electric vehicles. In the market.
Energy consumption is approximately 2% lower than in the case of the Kona Electric with a 64.8 kWh battery. In other words, a smaller, lighter battery seems to improve efficiency only slightly, although there are some other factors involved as well (lower power electric motor).
Let’s note that the highway MPGe ratings are noticeably lower than the combined values. We estimate the EPA highway range is about 20-30 miles (or more than 10%) less. However, this is only a rough estimate because the MPGe number includes charging losses.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE (48.6 kWh) 17-inch :: EPA range rating by InsideEVs (Two-cycle electric car poster) | |
| sum city highway | 200 miles (322 km) nothing nothing |
| Energy consumption EPA (including shipping losses): | |
| sum city highway | 118 mpg: 286 watt-hours or 3.5 mpg/kWh 131 mpg: 257 watt-hours or 3.9 mpg/kWh 105 mpg: 321 watt/mile or 3.1 mi/kWh |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL & Limited 17-inch:: EPA range rating by InsideEVs (Two-cycle electric car poster) | |
| sum city highway | 261 miles (420 km) nothing nothing |
| Energy consumption EPA (including shipping losses): | |
| sum city highway | 116 mpg: 291 watt/mile or 3.4 mpg/kWh 129 mpg: 261 watt-hours or 3.8 mpg/kWh 103 mpg: 327 watt-hours or 3.1 mpg/kWh |
71 the pictures
In the past, the Hyundai Kona Electric’s main competitor was the (now retired) Chevrolet Bolt EV/Bolt EUV duo.
| model | Driving | battery (kWh) | Environmental Protection Agency ranges |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE (48.6 kWh) 17-in | Front wheel drive | 48.6 | 200 miles |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL 17-in | Front wheel drive | 64.8 | 261 miles |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited 17-in | Front wheel drive | 64.8 | 261 miles |
Because the Hyundai Kona Electric is an import and does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit (an incentive may be available through leasing), its competitive position is weaker. Starting price for the entry-level version is $32,675 (plus $1,335 destination charge). Some other, larger models can be purchased for a similar price.
| model | Base price | Destination. Cost | Credit tax | Effective price |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE (48.6 kWh) 17-in | $32,675 | +$1,335 | nothing | $34,010 |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL 17-in | $36,675 | +$1,335 | nothing | $38,010 |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited 17-in | $41,045 | +$1,335 | nothing | $42,380 |
