Tag Archives: Hyundai Kona

Hyundai Considering Pulling Plug On Kona EV In South Korea

Even though the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of Europe’s best-selling EVs, a series of recalls could end up costing it dearly in its home market of South Korea.

The recalls were prompted by multiple fires (resulting in lawsuits), as well as faulty braking systems, leading the carmaker to allegedly consider ending domestic sales for its fully-electric crossover, claims cable news channel YTN.

However, according to the JoonAng daily, an unidentified source is saying that sales will continue in Europe, reports Autonews Europe.

Read Also: Hyundai EV Battery Fires Lead To Lawsuits, GM Recalls 70,000 Cars With Batteries From Same Maker

While declining to comment on these reports, Hyundai did state that they are “reviewing various options as we prepare to launch the Ioniq 5”.

The Kona EV was recalled in South Korea back in October due to a short circuit risk, possibly caused by the faulty manufacturing of the car’s high-voltage battery cells. The recall, which includes software updates and battery replacements following an inspection, involves 25,564 units built between September 2017 and March 2020.

This same issue also forced GM to recall 70,000 cars fitted with batteries from the same maker, specifically LG Chem

As for the other issue, a total of 50,864 Kona and Nexo fuel-cell vehicles were recalled in South Korea due to faulty electronic braking systems – the problem here being a software defect that affects not just Kona EV variants but the hybrid version as well (built between May 2019 and November 2020).

It’s safe to say that pulling the Kona EV from its home market would be a tough pill to swallow for Hyundai.

VW ID.3 Was Europe’s Best-Selling EV In October, Renault Zoe And Hyundai Kona Followed

With the petrol and diesel ban knocking on the door of the automotive industry, customers have become more interested in electrified cars than ever.

Europeans, for one, bought more electrified vehicles than diesels for the second month in a row, and the continent’s best-selling battery-electric model was the Volkswagen ID.3.

According to Jato’s analysis, the German electric hatchback accounted for 10,475 units in October, followed by the Renault Zoe supermini and Hyundai Kona small crossover, with 9,778 and 5,261 units respectively. The chart was completed by the Kia e-Niro, Peugeot e-208, Smart ForTwo, BMW i3, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa-e, MINI Cooper SE and Nissan Leaf, in this order.

Watch Also: 2021 VW ID.3 First Drive Finds It Has A Lot Going For It, But Also Has Its Faults

The plug-in hybrid king was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (4,209 units), with the Volvo XC40 and Volkswagen Passat completing the podium, and the BMW 3-Series, Audi Q5, VW Golf, Renault Captur, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC following.

In the mild-hybrid and full-hybrid category, Toyota nabbed the two top spots, with the Yaris (13,338 units) and Corolla (9,728), while the bronze medal went to the Fiat Panda. The Ford Puma, Fiat 500, Toyota C-HR, RAV4, Suzuki Swift, Ford Focus, and Suzuki Ignis completed the chart.

The Golf was Europe’s best-selling car in October, accounting for 27,530 units, followed by the smaller Renault Clio and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, with 22,588 and 21,220 units sold respectively. Other popular models were the Peugeot 208, Fiat Panda, Renault Captur, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Octavia, and Citroen C3.

New car registrations were down by 7 percent last month in Europe, from 1.21 to 1.13 million vehicles.

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Hyundai Kona Electric Facelifted For The 2021 Model Year

Shortly after the Hyundai Kona family was updated for the 2021 model year, the Kona Electric has also been freshened up.

The car manufacturer launched the Kona Electric back in 2018 and in that time, over 120,000 units have been sold globally. Visual updates made to the 2021 model mimic those of other 2021 Kona models.

Read Also: Hyundai Could Widen Recall Of Kona EV In Europe And North America Too Over Fire Risks

With this in mind, the front end has been tweaked with new headlights and LED daytime running lights. The grille has also been altered and the front sports an asymmetric charging port. Other updates made include satin accent bars in the lower section of the front bumper, new taillights, and an updated rear bumper. The new bodywork means the 2021 Kona Electric is 40 mm longer than the outgoing version.

Powering the crossover is a 64 kWh battery pack coupled to a single electric motor delivering 201 hp and 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) of torque and offering up a respectable range of 300 miles (484 km) on the WLTP cycle. When connected to a 50 kW charger, the Kona’s battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 64 minutes. This time drops to 47 minutes with a 100 kW charger. Customers can also opt a 10.5 kW three-phase onboard charger. The Kona Electric also includes a Smart Adjustable Regenerative Braking system.

Updates have also been made to the vehicle’s interior and include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. There’s also a new ambient lighting system.

All 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric models come with a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features that includes Blind-Sport Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.

The updated Hyundai Kona Electric will arrive in select markets next year. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

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