US: 2024 Hyundai Kona EV Prices Announced – Cheapest Version Starts at $32,675

Hyundai has revealed that their Hyundai Kona Electric crossover SUV for next year’s production will be more affordable than before. The entry-level trim for the electric vehicle will be the SE and this version will have a starting MSRP of $32,675 in the US excluding the $1,295 destination charge. Extra features and functionality are then added in higher trim levels and the highest of these is the Kona Electric SEL, which costs $46,025.

Kona Electric Doubles Battery Capacity With New Larger Battery Model

In the model for 2024, Hyundai is going to introduce a long-range 77.4 kWh battery pack for the Kona Electric. This more than doubles the driving range in contrast to the previous 64 kWh battery. As for the official range estimates, EPA has not published its data yet, but it is expected the new battery will give the car more than 300 miles of range. This puts the Kona Electric on a level playing ground with other competitors in the market such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Volkswagen ID.4 which also have models with 300+ mile range capabilities.

It should also be noted that the prices for the new models are significantly lower than the price for the 2023 model year.

The standard feature package of the 2024 Kona Electric SE costs $2100 less than the base model 2023 Kona Electric. This price cut assists to sustain market competitiveness amid the rising stake in the EV segment. However, trim levels that have been raised to the next level have been slightly expensive by about $500-$800 over the 2023 models.

Exterior and Interior Design

In addition to the new battery size and a lower entry point, the 2024 Kona Electric benefits from some exterior and interior design improvements. Even on the exterior, there are small alterations to the vehicle such as the new front bumper fascia, new wheels and lastly updated rear tail lights. Inside there is a new center console, new fresh colors, and new technologies added to this cars. However, the changes are progressive more than radical in nature.

Strong Standard Safety Tech

Following the trend of other Hyundai models, the 2024 Kona Electric comes equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense safety features. These features are related to the driver assistance and they include the forward collision warning, the lane keeping assist, the lane departure warning and the driver attention warning system. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert are also included in the list of standard features.

Faster Charging Capabilities

About the new 77.4 kWh battery in higher trim levels, it will result in quicker charging times. Hyundai claims that the new Kona Electric is fully capable to recharge from 10-80% at a 350 kW DC fast charging station in 18 minutes. This is somewhat useful in comparison to the previous model where one could charge at only 50 kW. The benefits of faster charging will reduce range anxiety among consumers during long journeys along the interstate.

On-Sale Timeframe

Hyundai has not given a specific time frame as to when the 2024 Kona Electric will be launched for sale, only stating that it will be in dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2023. The key output is that customer deliveries are expected to commence in the first quarter of the year 2024. Orders or bookings also seem rather limited and one cannot make a pre-order as far as this is concerned.

Pricing Advantages Over Tesla

The Kona Electric has been priced from $32,675 which makes it a more affordable car than current cheapest Tesla, the Model 3 which starts at $43,990. The difference is more than $10k for this option, which offers 300+ miles of range for those who seek an affordable EV. Tesla has no crossover SUV models in their product line currently that can be considered rivals to the Kona EV.

Conclusion

These changes contribute to Hyundai Kona Electric’s general performance in the mass-market segment as the car enters its 2024 model year. With an increased battery size of up to 77.4 kWh, a higher charging rate, new look, improved technology, and a lower starting price, Kona Electric is even more attractive to potential electric car buyers. Other car manufacturers will have to keep chipping away and reducing cost to match the value proposition that Hyundai is offering in the expanding EV market segment.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric – Full Prices

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric – Basic specs

* according to the manufacturer

Source: insideevs.com

2024 Hyundai Kona EV Media Gallery