2018 Hyundai KONA Electric 39.2 kWh 42.0 kWh 136 hp Battery, Horsepower, Range

The Evolution of the Hyundai KONA Electric: Key Changes and Specifications

Generation I (OS, 2018–2023): The Pioneer EV

• Platform: The first generation KONA Electric was built on a modified B-Segment SUV platform (derived from the Hyundai i30/KONA internal combustion engine platform). This meant it was not on a dedicated EV architecture, which resulted in a slightly smaller cargo space and less optimized interior packaging compared to later models.
• Motors & Power:
  • Standard Range: Single front-mounted motor (FWD) with 100 kW (136 hp) and a high torque of 395 Nm (291 lb-ft).
  • Long Range: Single front-mounted motor (FWD) with 150 kW (204 hp) and 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque.
• Battery & Range (WLTP):
  • Standard Range: 39.2 kWh usable capacity (WLTP range of up to 305 km / 190 mi).
  • Long Range: 64.0 kWh usable capacity (WLTP range of up to 484 km / 301 mi).
• Charging: DC fast charging peaked at approximately 77 kW.
• Battery Chemistry: Early production (pre‑2020) used NCM 622 cells. Post‑2020 (and for replacement batteries), Hyundai adopted more stable NCM 712 or NCM 811 chemistries (depending on market), which improved thermal stability and allowed higher sustained charging power.

Generation I Facelift (OS, 2020–2023): Efficiency and Tech Refresh

• Efficiency & Battery: Minor battery hardware and software optimizations were introduced to slightly improve the WLTP range.
  • New range on the 64 kWh version reached up to 484 km (301 mi, WLTP).
• Technical Updates:
  • New 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an updated infotainment system became available.
  • Introduction of an optional 11 kW three-phase onboard AC charger (where previously limited to 7.2 kW).
• Torque Adjustment: Following the 2020/2021 facelift (in certain EU-spec markets), the maximum torque output was reduced from 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) to 255 Nm (188 lb-ft). This change prioritized smoother drivability and efficiency, though acceleration figures became slightly less aggressive.

Generation II (SX2, 2024–Present): The EV-First Approach

• Design & Dimensions: The second generation was designed first as an EV, leading to significantly increased dimensions:
  • Length increased by 150 mm (total 4355 mm).
  • Wheelbase increased by 60 mm (total 2660 mm), vastly improving rear-seat legroom.
• Platform: Still uses a mixed-powertrain platform, but heavily revised for better EV packaging (unlike dedicated E-GMP cars like the IONIQ 5).
• Motors & Power (Updated):
  • Standard Range: New motor with 115 kW (156 hp) and 255 Nm.
  • Long Range: New motor with 160 kW (217 hp) and 255 Nm. (Note: Torque is reduced compared to Gen I, prioritizing efficiency).
• Battery & Range (WLTP):
  • Standard Range: New capacity of 48.4 kWh usable (WLTP range of up to 377 km).
  • Long Range: New capacity of 65.4 kWh usable (WLTP range of up to 514 km).
• Charging:
  • Maximum DC charging capacity increased to approximately 102 kW.
  • Introduction of Battery Conditioning System (for pre-heating/cooling the battery before charging) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external devices.
• Aero & Space:
  • Drag coefficient (Cd) improved to 0.27.
  • Trunk capacity (seats up) significantly increased to 466 L (up from 332 L in Gen I).
  • Introduction of a ‘frunk’ (front trunk) storage space (27 L).
• Safety & Tech: Enhanced ADAS with Highway Driving Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and OTA software updates.