Will there be a 2023 Kona Electric?

It’s been over a decade since I first drove an electric car, a Nissan test mule which would eventually birth the LEAF. Shortly thereafter, there was the golf cart-like, egg-shaped Mitsubishi i-MiEV. That car had a measly 62 miles of range. This Kona Electric – 258 and on a warm day easily over 300 miles. In ten short years, the electric car has matured from an Ed Begley, Jr. wet dream to accounting for 6% of total car sales…and growing rapidly.

Specifications

• Model: 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: The Perfect First EV
• Horsepower: 201
• Transmission: single-speed

With a teenage daughter on the precipice of a driver license, I recently sold my 20-year-old Tacoma and leased a 2020 Kona Electric Ultimate for the dream lease rate of $177 per month…try getting that nowadays! Six thousand miles later and I’m pleased to report that we’ve had zero issues and are thoroughly enjoying the gas-free life Hyundai has so expertly curated.

WHAT’S NEW

the Kona Electric received its midcycle refresh for the 2022 model year with a Tesla-inspired, smooth frontend with slimmer headlights, an updated futuristic wheel design, a restyled bumper and newly sculpted taillights. Inside, the driver display took on a more modernized appearance, a few buttons were deleted from the dash, blue seat stitching was introduced, the center console was redesigned to include a USB port for rear seat passengers, and the grilles of the 8-speaker sound system swapped out their Infinity badges for parent company Harman. But the most important upgrade blessing in the Kona was a quieter cabin; a result of increased sound deadening materials adhered to the body, and it’s clearly evident. I do miss my car’s head-up display though, a feature that’s been scrapped altogether.

For 2023, the Kona Electric carries over completely unchanged with the exception of a new, entry-level trim. After Hyundai significantly slashed Kona pricing last year, the new base SE model starts at a suggested retail price of $34,845 including freight, the SEL now becomes the mid-trim, and my tester is the top-of-the-line Limited with an MSRP of $43,840. The sticky topic of EV tax credit rules is still evolving but as of now the Kona no longer qualifies for a $7,500 deduction because it’s imported from Korea. And because EVs are hot and dealer stock is down across the board, they’re nearly impossible to find right now.

THE SKINNY ON CHARGING

The Kona Electric is advertised with an impressive 258-mile driving range and offers 3 levels of charging, the quickest of which takes less than an hour to replenish the lithium-ion battery to 80% from 10% capacity which is 64 kWh. And even then, fast-charging at Electrify America stations (at a maximum rate of 100 kW) is complimentary for the first 250 kWh – the equivalent of about 1000 free miles. For now, we simply plug our Kona into a standard 110 V garage outlet with the provided charge cable, which based on our typical driving habits brings the car back to 100% capacity overnight. But I’m most excited about Hyundai Home: a trifecta of solar panels, energy storage system, and home EV charger coming soon directly from Hyundai. With this type of 240 V level 2 charger, the Kona’s battery can be juiced from 10% to 100% in about 9 hours. Of course, owners can have wall boxes installed from third parties at a cost of $1,500 or more, but I’m holding out for this Hyundai Home package which generates its own green electricity and can store excess energy to be used during a blackout…very cool stuff.

ONCE YOU DRIVE ELECTRIC THERE’S NO GOING BACK

The 150-kW motor produces 201 horsepower and an immediate 291 pound-feet of torque, giving this Kona surprising zip. There are also multiple drive modes including Sport that deliver that power even more quickly. An independent rear suspension and nicely weighted steering contribute to the stealthy performance but the Nexen, eco-friendly tires are limiting. As for the regenerative brakes which harness otherwise wasted energy to feed the battery, steering wheel paddles are used to vary the degree of aggressiveness – three levels in all from zero effect all the way to one-pedal drive, essentially eliminating the need to use the brake by simply lifting off the accelerator to slow the car. Preferences vary but I find the automatic, predictive setting works best for the smoothest stops. And the smart cruise control system with stop-and-go operates especially well, perfect for city traffic.

This little hatchback is so sneaky quick; the very epitome of torquey electric output, squealing the front tires at will – all-wheel drive is not on the electric menu. With better rubber, it would also handle like a champ. But no matter what type of driving is on the docket, I always look forward to taking the helm of the Kona Electric which is the best compliment I can bestow upon a car.

BIG FEATURES ON A BUDGET

Hyundai really lavishes this Limited trim, so it receives all of the safety features, the biggest and most robust infotainment with navigation and high-end convenience features such as a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and 3 years of complimentary Bluelink telematics including a great smartphone app for connecting with and controlling the Kona. The natural language voice commands actually work - imagine that - and as for EV-specific features there’s everything from managing charging to planning out of town trips while ensuring sufficient range. The stereo comes with Clari-Fi technology to clean up compressed music, there are whimsical soundscapes for moments of relaxation and smartphone projection though not wireless for this top-trim, only on lesser models – a Hyundai/Kia bugaboo. And believe it or not, there’s even a height-adjustable passenger seat – a rare find in this class.

THE CAVEATS

As for spaciousness and versatility, the Kona is definitely smallish with just enough room for 2 adults in the rear but cargo volume with the rear seats folded is considerably less than in a Chevy Bolt. And here’s something I didn’t realize before leasing and it’s disappointing, while the gas Kona can be equipped with roof rack crossbars and hitch carriers this one can’t, so kayakers and bikers beware. It also doesn’t tow.

For those pondering the purchase of a small crossover and are EV curious, the budget-minded Kona Electric is undoubtedly worthy of consideration. Look for a completely redesigned, next-generation model sometime in 2024.

FAQ

Q: Is BMW R nineT reliable?

There have been no major or minor issues with any part of the BMW RnineT.

Q: What engine is in the BMW R nineT?

The engine in the RnineT is the air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin as used in the R1200 models, such as. the GS and the RT.

Q: Where is BMW RnineT made?

All BMW motorcycles are made at their Berlin, Germany factory.

Q: How much does a BMW R nineT cost?

The base RnineT Pure costs $11.595.