Episode 236 - 2024 Hyundai Kona EV 2nd Look! The Best Economical All-Electric!

Feb 6 2024 - UPDATE:  Ok I've done some more looking around and I see in Korea a person hit between 70-75kW on a Fast Charger. Byorn did a good comparison video and his new Kona EV did peak at 100kW for a short time and charged much better than the previous generation Kona EV. I am not sure if North America is limited somehow, but seems in Europe and possibly Asia regions, the Kona EV can hit the 100kW max stated pull. I can't seem to find any North American examples of anything past the 70-ish kW charging pull, so if you see anything, please email me. Jan 2024 - DC Fast Charging Update: I've had a few folks comment on the DCFC rate for the 2024 refreshed Kona EV as being over 100kW. Examples are out there of 101kW and 103kW pulls, but these are in Europe. I have yet to see or hear about this BEV performing this rate in North America. I was told by Hyundai engineer in December that the max was 80kW, hence why I report this figure. If anyone finds an example in North America of someone getting more than 80kW on a DCFC, please email me so I can update this Pinned Comment. This makes a good difference for road tripping so would be nice to find out. Also as @TassieEV has corrected me on, electricity doesn't slow down in the cold, it is always at the speed of light. The only thing is resistance goes up, but that is wiring and batteries (if battery isn't preconditioned).

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤

Great review Ken, I bought one of these in late December. First one at the dealership on Vancouver Island. A few things. The fast chargers rate is 101 kw according to the documentation. Regardless to 80% will be at least 40-45 minutes. The auto regen is brilliant. Just hold the right paddle shifter for 2 seconds and the ‘auto’ will appear at the bottom right of the screen. It uses the radar to adjust the regen level. When you are using the adaptive cruise control, Press the bottom right button on the left steering wheel spoke. The car will then steer itself. Driving this is smooth and effortless I’m very happy with my decision. BTW how are the Michelin X ice for noise level?

There's still a place for physical, push-button controls. I really like the fact that they've done that for accessing key features. Really good to hear how it performed in the cold too.

Excellent 👍

Great looking EV and the price is very good. I think this is what the market needs. We will see.Thx Ken.

Great show buddy and I really like the Kona ev suv and fun to drive it and very quiet ride and lots of room and much better than last years model.

Thanks Ken, keep warm.

😊 Thanks for a nice, indepth review of this good car.

Always like your reviews. Only observations the car has a peak charge rate as proven by Bjorn in Norway and Chris in Germany(Battery LIfe) is 103kW. Also electricity doesn't slow down it is always the speed of light the only thing is resistance goes up but that is wiring and batteries(if battery isn't preconditioned but the Kona can do preconditioning). I'll be leasing one through my work which has a benefit for staff to lease a car and they take the payments as pre-tax payments thereby reducing taxable income overall.

Regarding the interior: did you have trouble seeing the white letters on the silver buttons? It seems like there is not enough contrast between the two and they wash out in the video. What was it like for you? Do these buttons light up at night?

What about the snow mode ? Is it efficient ? Thanks

Good ev.

Your previous review 233 stated it came with Wireless Apple CarPlay, can you please confirm that is correct for Canada? If so, it is time to upgrade our 2019 Kia Niro EV!

Nice review, Ken!

Do you know if the us version has the charging port heater as well?

Nice review, Ken !!

Is the driver’s arm rest hard plastic or padded? Thanks. Really appreciate your reviews.

AT 32:39 the numbers were 133km remaining 43% battery at -8c....133 divided 43 multiplied by 100 = 309.3 km ..pretty good range for that temp.. getting 450 range here in Ireland at 8/10*c city driving..hoping for 550 come the spring..damn fine EV..last car was an eC4..this is another level.. ride aint as good ..efficiency bout the same..but this is a true EV with many bells n whistles teh Citroen did not have..HEAT PUMP!!

What about the SE trim? All I see reviewed is upper trims. The SE is a more realistic affordable entry point EV.