Is it worth the extra spend — to the tune of $12,700 — to buy the electric version of Hyundai's Kona rather than the nonelectric version of the same thing?
The question begs several answers, all of them depending on your perspective, as much as your budget.
What It Is
The Kona is a compact-size, five-door crossover that's similar in overall size and layout to others in the class, like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. It differs from them — radically — in being available with either a gas engine or an electric motor.
The gas-engine version of the Kona carries an MSRP of $21,300 to start for the SE trim with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. With the optional all-wheel drive system, the sticker price is $22,800.
Then, there is the electrically powered Kona. It has no transmission — the one-speed electric motor directly driving the front wheels only (all-wheel drive is not available with this version of the Kona) and an advertised range on a full charge of 258 miles.
The SEL trim lists $34,000 to start.
There is also a Limited trim, which stickers for $42,500 to start. This one does not come with more range — or a stronger battery — as is often the case with electric cars that are available in a base and higher-cost version.
What you do get is a battery heater, which improves battery charge longevity in cold weather. Plus, leather trim, a sunroof, LED lighting, a Heads-Up Display (HUD) and a larger 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen, among other upgrades.
What's New
Last year's Ultimate trim has been nixed, and most of its content folded into the Limited trim. There have also been a few minor exterior styling tweaks to give the '22 a newer/updated look.
What's Good
No extra cost for more standard range than in rivals like the Leaf.
No loss of cargo or passenger space (for the battery pack).
Extremely responsive acceleration.
What's Not So Good
The 258-mile range is much less range than the range of the gas-engine Kona — and it can vary hugely depending on how you drive as well as how cold (or hot) it is outside when you drive.
FWD only.
Under The Hood
The electric Kona comes standard with a 150 kilowatt-hour electric motor fed electricity by a 64 kilowatt-hour battery pack. The combo generates the electric equivalent of 201 horsepower and 291 foot-pounds of torque.
All electric Konas come standard with the same 258 miles of advertised range. This is much more than the Nissan Leaf's advertised 150 miles of standard range as well as its optional/extra-cost 226 miles of advertised range. Assuming it goes as far as advertised, the Kona EV's range is enough for everyday driving without pushing the limits of its range — and thus potentially forcing you to stop and wait before you wanted to.
On The Road
An electric car like the Kona accelerates with an immediacy that's uncommon in other cars, even the highest-performance of them. This being a function of the fact that before their engines make power — necessary for acceleration — their engines must spin.
They do not make power at zero RPM.
Electric motors do.
And you'll never have to stop for — or pay for — gas.
But ...
Electricity isn't free — and the cost of electricity is certain to increase as demand for it increases. It is also very likely there will taxes added to the cost, to make up for the ones not being paid at the pump.
At The Curb
There is very little visual difference between the electric Kona and the gas-engine Kona — except for its grill. It hasn't got one because, of course, it doesn't need one. Gas-engine cars do because they have radiators ahead of their engines, to dissipate the heat of combustion via coolant passing through the radiator.
But other than that — in terms of the exterior appearance — the electric and gas-engine versions of this compact crossover are nearly identical.
Also, the inside dimensions, particularly regarding both rear seat legroom and cargo room behind the second row as well as total cargo capacity with the second row folded. The latter are 19.2 and 45.8 cubic feet in both cases. This is surprising in regards of the electric Kona because EV battery packs often take away space that would otherwise be available for things (and legs), but Hyundai has managed to fit the Kona's electric battery underneath the floorpan without any impingement of space above it.
The Rest
The Kona EV costs a couple thousand bucks more to start than others in the segment like Nissan's Leaf — even when the latter is ordered with its stronger/optional battery (and longer range). This is because Hyundai kits out the Kona EV with most of the amenities that come standard in the SEL trim of the nonelectric Kona, which is available with fewer amenities — and a lower sticker price — in the S trim.
The Bottom Line
EVs are interesting — and different. Whether those differences are worth the cost is for you to decide.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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