The Hyundai Kona Electric was a pioneering long-range electric SUV in India, proving that practical EV ownership was achievable well before the current wave of affordable EVs arrived.
Key specs
| Range | 452 km (ARAI, claimed — first-gen India spec) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 39.2 kWh (India first-gen); 65.4 kWh (global second-gen, expected) |
| Fast charging | 50 kW DC (claimed, first-gen) |
| Motor | 136 PS / 395 Nm (first-gen India); 150 kW / 255 Nm (global second-gen, claimed) |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Seating | 5 |
The Hyundai Kona Electric was India's first long-range mass-market electric SUV, launched in 2019 and positioned as a premium offering for early EV adopters. It brought global EV technology to Indian roads, featuring a 39.2 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing around 136 PS, with a claimed range of approximately 452 km (ARAI). The Kona Electric helped establish Hyundai as a credible EV player in India before the brand pivoted to locally assembled models.
The second-generation Kona Electric (sold globally from 2023 onwards) features a significantly updated design language with parametric pixel LED lighting, a more spacious interior, and an available 65.4 kWh battery option offering an expected WLTP range of over 490 km (claimed). However, Hyundai India has not officially launched the second-generation Kona Electric in the domestic market, focusing instead on the Ioniq 5 and the upcoming Creta Electric for Indian consumers.
Globally, the Kona Electric competes strongly in the compact electric SUV segment, earning praise for its real-world range, ride quality, and feature-rich cabin. For Indian buyers, the original Kona Electric remains a capable used-market option, while any potential relaunch of the new generation would depend on Hyundai India's localisation and pricing strategy.
Key features
- Long claimed ARAI range of ~452 km on first-gen India model
- 50 kW DC fast charging support (claimed)
- 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- 6 airbags and ESC as standard
- Regenerative braking with paddle-shifter control
- Ventilated front seats and electric sunroof
- Second-gen global model features 65.4 kWh battery and updated parametric pixel LED design (claimed)
Competitors
SUV · On SaleTata Motors
Tata Nexon EV
₹12.49 – 17.49 Lakh (ex-showroom, indicative)
SUV · On SaleJSW MG Motor India
MG ZS EV
₹17.99 – 20.50 Lakh (ex-showroom, indicative)
SUV · On SaleHyundai Motor India
Hyundai Creta Electric
₹17.99 – 23.50 Lakh (indicative, ex-showroom)
SUV · On SaleBYD India
BYD Atto 3
₹24.99 – 34.49 Lakh (ex-showroom, indicative)
