Yahoo Autos 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric gets a little more power, battery capacity
The slow, but steady stream of 2024 Hyundai Kona details continues with some of the specifications for the electric version. In addition to being larger overall, the little SUV gains a slightly larger battery pack as well as a bit more horsepower compared to its predecessor. And it has a slight edge over its cousin, the Kia Niro EV.
Supplying electricity is a 65.4-kWh battery pack, which marks an increase of 1.4 kWh. And while that's not much, it is enough to squeak out a bit more range. Comparing WLTP ranges, the new one can go 304 miles as opposed to 301. The EPA range will certainly be lower, but there should be a slight bump over the current Kona Electric's 258-mile range, as well as the Niro EV's 253-mile range.
Interestingly, there's now a short-range Kona Electric with a 48.4-kWh battery pack, as well as a less powerful electric motor. Hyundai didn't say either way in its official materials whether it would be offered in the U.S., but Car and Driver hints that it has reason to believe this one won't come Stateside. We'd be inclined to agree, since it might be a hard case to make when a similarly low-range Nissan Leaf would undoubtedly be far more affordable, and a more powerful, longer-range Chevy Bolt would probably cost similarly.
