2020 Hyundai Kona Electric: Range, Specs & More

Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric? Well, you've come to the right place! This spunky little electric SUV made waves when it hit the market, and for good reason. It offers a fantastic blend of affordability, range, and features, making it a compelling option for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. So, let's dive deep into the specs, range, charging times, and everything else you need to know about the 2020 Kona Electric.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric lies a zippy electric motor that delivers a peppy and responsive driving experience. The electric motor produces 150 kW (201 horsepower) and a robust 291 lb-ft of torque. That instant torque is what makes electric cars so much fun to drive, and the Kona Electric is no exception. You'll experience quick acceleration and effortless merging onto the highway. The Kona Electric is front-wheel drive. This helps to maximize efficiency and range. While all-wheel drive isn't an option, the Kona Electric handles confidently in various weather conditions, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and traction control systems. Overall, the Kona Electric offers a smooth, quiet, and surprisingly engaging driving experience that will have you rethinking what you thought you knew about electric cars.

Performance figures for the 2020 Kona Electric are quite impressive for its class. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds. That's quicker than many gasoline-powered SUVs! The top speed is electronically limited to 104 mph. However, on public roads, you'll likely never need to reach that speed. It’s the instant acceleration and responsiveness that make the Kona Electric so enjoyable in everyday driving situations. You can easily zip around town, pass other cars on the highway, and tackle hills without breaking a sweat. The Kona Electric also features different driving modes, such as Eco, Comfort, and Sport, which allow you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. Eco mode maximizes efficiency by limiting power output and adjusting throttle response, while Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the electric motor for maximum performance. Comfort mode strikes a balance between efficiency and performance, making it ideal for everyday driving. With its punchy electric motor, responsive handling, and customizable driving modes, the 2020 Kona Electric offers a driving experience that is both fun and efficient.

Battery and Range

Okay, let's talk about the most important aspect of any electric car: the battery and range. The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This battery provides a very respectable range for its class. According to the EPA, the Kona Electric has an estimated range of 258 miles on a full charge. This is a significant amount of range. It makes the Kona Electric a viable option for daily commutes, weekend trips, and even longer road trips with some planning. Of course, the actual range you experience in the real world may vary depending on factors. These include driving style, weather conditions, and terrain. However, even in less-than-ideal conditions, you can still expect to get well over 200 miles on a single charge.

Factors affecting the range of the 2020 Kona Electric are similar to those that affect the fuel economy of a gasoline-powered car. Aggressive driving, such as frequent acceleration and braking, will reduce range. The outside temperature also plays a role, as cold weather can decrease battery performance. Using the air conditioning or heater can also impact range, as these systems draw power from the battery. To maximize range, it's best to drive conservatively, avoid extreme temperatures, and use regenerative braking whenever possible. Regenerative braking captures energy when you decelerate and sends it back to the battery, effectively increasing your range. The Kona Electric offers adjustable regenerative braking settings, allowing you to customize the level of regen to your liking. With a bit of planning and mindful driving, you can easily achieve the EPA-estimated range of 258 miles and enjoy the benefits of electric driving without range anxiety. The battery pack is located under the floor of the vehicle, which helps to lower the center of gravity and improve handling.

Charging Times

Now, let's discuss charging times. The charging time of the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric depends on the type of charger you're using. There are three main levels of charging: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. This is the slowest charging method, and it's typically only used as a last resort. Charging the Kona Electric from empty to full using a Level 1 charger can take several days. It's best suited for overnight charging if you only need to add a few miles of range.

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt charger, which is the type of charger you'll typically find at public charging stations or install in your home. With a Level 2 charger, the Kona Electric can be fully charged in approximately 9 hours and 35 minutes. This is a much faster charging method than Level 1, and it's ideal for overnight charging or topping off the battery during the day.

DC fast charging is the fastest charging method available. It uses a high-powered DC charger to deliver a significant amount of energy to the battery in a short amount of time. With a DC fast charger, the Kona Electric can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 54 minutes using a 100kW DC fast charger. This makes DC fast charging ideal for road trips or when you need to quickly add a significant amount of range. The Kona Electric uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector for DC fast charging.

It's important to note that charging times may vary depending on the specific charger you're using and the current state of the battery. However, in general, Level 2 charging is the most convenient and practical option for everyday charging, while DC fast charging is best suited for longer trips or emergency situations. The Kona Electric also features a battery pre-heating system that helps to optimize charging performance in cold weather.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2020 Kona Electric, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior with a host of features. While it's not the most luxurious interior in its class, it's functional and user-friendly. The seats are supportive and provide ample room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can also be folded down to create a larger cargo area.

The Kona Electric comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. The infotainment system is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. Higher trim levels offer a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and other advanced features. Other standard features include a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and automatic climate control. Available features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a head-up display. The Kona Electric also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Overall, the Kona Electric offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior with a range of features that enhance the driving experience.

Interior materials in the 2020 Kona Electric are generally of good quality, although there are some hard plastics in certain areas. However, the overall design is modern and appealing, and the seats are comfortable even on long drives. The Kona Electric also offers plenty of storage space, including a large glove compartment, door pockets, and a center console with cupholders. The rear cargo area is also surprisingly spacious, with 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is enough space to carry groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. The Kona Electric also features a number of convenient features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. These features make the Kona Electric a pleasure to drive and live with on a daily basis.

Pricing and Trims

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric was available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. The starting price for the base SE trim was around $37,190 before any federal or state tax credits. The SEL trim added more features and had a starting price of around $41,800, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim had a starting price of around $45,600. However, with the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and any state tax credits, the actual price you paid for the Kona Electric could be significantly lower. This made the Kona Electric one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market.

Differences between trims included additional features and equipment. The base SE trim came standard with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. The SEL trim added features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, leather seats, and a sunroof. The Limited trim included all of the features of the SE and SEL trims, as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a head-up display, and heated front seats. All trims of the Kona Electric came with the same 64 kWh battery pack and electric motor, so performance and range were the same across the board. Ultimately, the best trim level for you will depend on your budget and your desired features. However, even the base SE trim offers a compelling value proposition, with its long range, standard safety features, and affordable price. Considering used options can provide even greater value, especially with potential savings on the initial purchase price.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is a fantastic electric SUV that offers a winning combination of range, performance, features, and affordability. With its peppy electric motor, long range, and quick charging times, the Kona Electric is a great choice for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a weekend road trip, the Kona Electric has you covered. Plus, with its stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, you'll enjoy every moment behind the wheel. If you're in the market for an electric car, be sure to check out the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric. You might just be surprised at how much you love it!