All-new Hyundai Kona Electric scores bigger batteries, better tech for Australia

The all-new Hyundai Kona Electric will arrive in Australia before the end of 2023, debuting bigger battery choices, more range and better cabin tech as it seeks to chip away at Tesla’s EV dominance.

There’s two trims (soon to be three, if you count the incoming N Line model), and two battery/powertrain choices, the Australian specifics of which have now been confirmed.

The smaller of the two batteries is the 48.6kWh option (up from 39.2kWh) in the Standard Range model, which should deliver around 380kms in driving range. The electric motor will deliver 99kW and 255Nm.

The bigger, longer-driving option is the The Extended Range version, which now arrives with a 64.8kWh battery (up from 64.0kWh), increasing the outputs to 150kW and 255Nm, and increasing the driving range to more than 480kms.

The new EV has also grown considerably, out-sizing its predecessor in every way, including length (145mm longer), width (25mm) and height (20mm), and it gets a longer wheelbase (+60mm).

That means more space in the cabin, where rear leg room has grown by 77mm, and in the boot, where maximum cargo room has increased by 144 litres.

There’s better cabin tech, too, with all trims to score twin 12.3inch screens that dominate the dash, along with dual-zone climate with rear vents.

We don’t know Australian pricing yet, but expect increases on the current model, which spans $57.4k to $60.9k.

“The all-new Kona Electric continues to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America.

“The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai’s rapid transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity.”