Hyundai has announced the start of production for the new Hyundai Kona Electric at the Nošovice plant in the Czech Republic. Hyundai plans to produce approximately 21,000 units by the end of this year and another 50,000 next year. The Korean automaker’s vehicle is an electric SUV that offers high performance and ample range.
The new Kona Electric was unveiled in March and features improvements in design and technology compared to the previous model. The vehicle is available in two versions: one with a 48.4 kWh battery and a power output of 114.6 kW (155 PS), providing a range of 377 km according to the WLTP cycle, and another with a 65.4 kWh battery and a power output of 160 kW (217 PS), reaching a range of 514 km. Fast charging can reach up to 125 kW, allowing for an 80% charge in about half an hour.
The production of the Kona Electric at the Czech plant is part of Hyundai’s strategy to offer only zero-emission vehicles in Europe by 2035. “Hyundai sees Europe as a key market, reflected in our dedication to our customers across the continent. This is why we manufacture over 70% of our models – designed with European customers in mind – in Europe. Responding to the growing demand for our electric vehicles in the region and with a focus on reduced lead times, producing one of our most important electric cars in Europe underscores the significance of the European market for Hyundai,” said Michael Cole, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe.
The Kona Electric will be available in 42 European countries, including Italy, where the updated model can already be ordered starting from €37,500. Furthermore, Hyundai will also produce a right-hand drive version for the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus, and export the Kona Electric to Turkey, Israel, and the islands of Réunion and Guadeloupe. The Kona Electric joins Hyundai’s range of electric vehicles, which includes the Ioniq Electric, Ioniq 5, and the hydrogen-powered Nexo.
