The best-selling hybrid in Israel is finally getting an electric version: The current Hyundai Kona is now launched in Israel in an electric variant as well, with a relatively long range for the category and a lower price than the hybrid version. The base electric Kona offers a range of 506 km and a starting price of NIS 175,000, compared to NIS 177,000 for the hybrid.
Hyundai has already marketed the previous-generation electric model in Israel, mainly with a smaller 39 kWh battery (305 km range) and to a lesser extent with the larger one (64 kWh, 484 km). The new generation features a 65.4 kWh battery, delivering 506 km of range in the base version with 17-inch wheels, while in the higher trim with 19-inch wheels the range drops to 466 km.
Performance is identical: The motor produces 214 hp and 25.5 kgm of torque, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.8 or 8.1 seconds, respectively. Top speed is 170 km/h. Slow charging is carried out at 11 kW, while fast charging peaks at only 101 kW, extending the 10% to 80% charging time to 41 minutes, about 10 minutes longer than the norm.
The base Pure trim (from NIS 175,000 as mentioned) includes dual 12.3-inch screens, one for multimedia and controls and the other as a digital instrument cluster. There is support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a smart key for entry and start, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, heated front seats, dual-zone digital climate control, rear air vents, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, and paddle shifters for regenerative braking, along with LED daytime running lights and full LED headlights.
The Ultimate version (from NIS 185,000) adds 19-inch wheels, a power seat for the passenger as well, an electric tailgate, parking sensors and surround-view cameras, and a live “blind spot” camera display on the instrument cluster.
Dimensions remain unchanged from the hybrid model: 4.355 meters in length, 1.825 meters in width, 1.58 meters in height, and a 2.66-meter wheelbase. The rear trunk offers 466 liters of capacity, and there is also a 27-liter front trunk.
Safety: The Kona received a 5 out of 5 stars rating in the European crash test in 2023. Active safety features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane departure prevention, blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and driver fatigue alert. The higher trim level adds autonomous braking in reverse.
Warranty: 5 years or 100,000 km for the vehicle and 7 years or 150,000 km for the battery.
The Kona offers a longer range than Chinese crossovers at a similar price point. Only the Kia EV3 offers a longer range of 589 km in its large-battery version, though it costs NIS 187,000. Its arrival just before the price of 95-octane gasoline may exceed NIS 8 per liter due to the war in Iran could help it compete for drivers and provide a solution for many who are willing to consider an electric vehicle, but not one from China.