Just like Kona’s recent internal combustion engine makeover, both the front panel and the rear panel of Kona Electric have been redesigned. The former is especially removed from its predecessor’s perforated nose, instead of adopting an almost completely smooth appearance.
Kona Electric also retained the plastic covering on the side of the forehead, and now, the body color is more prominently used as a part of cosmetic surgery than before. The new alloy wheel set also highlights this aspect.
Internally, Kona Electric followed Kona’s tire tracks again by introducing a 10.25-inch digital dashboard and new ambient lighting technology. It is worth noting that the former has installed a 10.25-inch touch screen, while the latter has been refurbished.
According to Kona’s regulations, Kona Electric has now installed a more advanced driver assistance system, which is also equipped with active blind spot monitoring and rear intersection alarm, as well as leading vehicle departure alarm, safety exit alarm and rear seat alarm.
As before, Kona Electric in Australia will continue to be powered by a 150kW/395Nm motor that drives the front wheels.
The local version will be equipped with 64kWh battery again, although the improvement of tires has expanded its WLTP driving range to 484 km (+35 km).
Using the 100kW DC fast charger, Kona Electric can charge 10% to 80% of the electricity in 47 minutes, while the 10.5kW AC car charger takes 6 hours and 50 minutes to charge from 10% to 100%.
For reference, Kona Electric’s current starting price is $60,740, plus the road cost. At present, it faces fierce competition from $40,990 MG ZS EV, while Mazda MX-30 and Peugeot e-2008 may be in full swing.