South Korean automaker Hyundai has revealed the North American pricing for the 2024 Konda Electric, the second-generation model now available with two battery options. But the company is still keeping mum on the Australian pricing.
Hyundai unveiled the major specs for the 2024 Kona Electric in March, with two variants available – a Standard Range and a Long Range.
Fast-forward a few months and Hyundai has taken the wraps off pricing, at least in North America, which might at least give some guide to the Australian price, if only through a straight currency conversion and ignoring local logistics and other costs.
Hyundai Motor America says it will have three Kona Electric’s available for customers to choose from – starting with the Kona Electric SE. Boasting a 48.6kWh battery and a 99kW motor putting out 133hp, this entry-level Kona Electric will offer around 320 kilometres of range.
This single-speed reduction gear with front-wheel drive Kona Electric will go on sale with an MSRP of $US32,675, which at today’s exchange rate works out to just shy of $A50,000.
The Kona Electric SEL boasts the longer-range battery pack of 64.8kWh, a 150kW motor putting out 201hp, and is also limited to a single-speed reduction gear and front-wheel drive. With the bump in battery power, the SEL offers up to 420 kilometres of range.
Interestingly, the price between these two models is minimal, with the Kona Electric SEL retailing in the United States for $US36,675, or around $A55,500 at today’s conversion rate.
A Limited trim variant mimics the SEL in terms of engine and battery but offers a range of additional safety features and interior upgrades, warranting a price tag of $US41,045, or around $A62,000.
Model |
Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | MSRP[ii] | |
Kona Electric | SE | 99-kW (133-HP) Electric Motor | Single-speed Reduction Gear | FWD | $32,675 |
Kona Electric | SEL | 150-kW (201-HP) Electric Motor | Single-speed Reduction Gear | FWD | $36,675 |
Kona Electric | Limited | 150-kW (201-HP) Electric Motor | Single-speed Reduction Gear | FWD | $41,045 |
All variants of the Kona Electric include an upgraded 11kW Level 2 onboard charger, and all are capable of DC fast charging.
Other changes for the 2024 Kona Electric include nearly six inches in overall length, including three inches in legroom for the second row. The cargo space has increased by 33% and 17-inch aero alloy wheels are now standard, working with underbody covers to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
According to Hyundai Australia’s website, the “all-new Kona Electric is coming soon”, with an option to register your interest in future updates. If Hyundai have an Australian launch date for the 2024 Kona Electric, we don’t know it yet, but when we do we’ll likely also find out final local pricing at the same time.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.