Another First time EV for the Masses
EV’s have typically been either too expensive for the average Joe/Jane, not enough range to be considered a viable option as a family hauler, or of quirky aesthetics (or all three!). The Hyundai Kona electric and entries from Kia, Nissan, and Chevrolet are here to change your mind. You’d be forgiven for not noticing that the Kona you are looking at is just another gasoline powered,smallish, CUV like any of its siblings. It is stylish, sleek, and features just about any quality of life improving amenity that you could think of, provided that it is included in the one of three available feature packages that you are looking at; Hyundai is mercifully spartan on nickel and diming for every extra option outside the three trim levels. It is not until you heard the vehicle silently pull away with only a slight synthesizer generates whir that you would figure out that you were looking at a full EV car. One, that I might add, will push you back into your seat as it starts to chew into its 300 mile range. If the wheels don’t spin first, which they all too easily will, so keep a light foot. Three driving modes -Eco, Normal, and Sport - let you dial up the power as you see fit. Given it’s not a race car and not-too-sticky stock tires won’t let you mistake it for a race car, anything above Eco mode it just playing. An Eco+ mode will let you eek every last mile out of the car, albeit at the cost of no AC or heat and a maximum speed of 60 mph. Charging can be done out of any home outlet for about 48hrs of time. Install or visit a Level 2, 240v charger and that comes down to about 9 hrs. DC fast charger? About 1 hr to 80%. Electric rates vary, but call it about $5 for 300 miles. The ride at highway speed can be noisy, but probably because everything else is so quiet. The interior can feel a bit plasticy, but that’s a matter of taste. I preferred the piano blacks of my Volkswagen Golf, but I’ll adjust. The interior cabin is spacious and visibility is above average, i’d Say. The non-premium sound system is passable, but audiophiles would likely opt for the upgraded model in the top trim level or install an aftermarket system, if possible.
If you’ve never owned or considered a full EV before, do yourself a favor and include the Kona on your next dealer visit. It just may change your mind and you may go home that night to see where you’ll have your Level 2 charger installed.
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