The Fun-to-Drive Hyundai Kona Electric Helps to Save the Planet (and Your Money)
And you’ll look good doing it!
We’ve been hearing a lot about climate change for the past year (or more!), especially with Greta Thunberg making waves all over the world as an environmental advocate.
Did you know that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year? Carbon dioxide is greenhouse gas, the primary contributor to climate change. If lowering your carbon footprint is important to you and your family, an electric vehicle might be something to consider.
I recently wrote about how an EV can fit your lifestyle, and the Hyundai Kona Electric is a perfect example of what would be an ideal family car for the city. And, you can save the planet while enjoying the drive!
The Kona Electric Takes Me Places and Costs Me Less
When I need to get the kids from one end of the city to the other, I want quick pick-up for highway merging, easy to park size in busy city parkades, and space for all their stuff. Not to mention, fuel economy to save money. Oh wait, there is ZERO fuel burning in the Kona EV because it’s fully electric! I can charge at home or at public charging stations for about half the cost of gas.
But there’s a caveat: It can take some time. Charging on a standard 110V household plug can take 2 days to fully charge the battery ?for the full 258 mile range. But upgrade your home charger to level 2 (similar power to a household dryer outlet) and it takes about 9 hours to charge, or, overnight. A DC fast charger can charge the battery to 80% in 54 minutes. So, at home, a level 2 charger may be fine but look for a DC fast charger on the road.
Instant acceleration is what electric motors offer, and the Hyundai Kona delivers! Driving the Kona actually feels like a much sportier ride than a small crossover with its 201-hp punch and 291 lb.-ft of torque. It also makes you feel safe because it’s a little higher ground clearance than a sedan.
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Instant Savings with a Rebate or Tax Credits for buying an Electric car
In the US, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a tax credit for $2,500 to $7,500 per new EV purchased for use in the U.S. The size of the tax credit depends on the size of the vehicle and its battery capacity. Depending on which state and city you live in and your utility company, you may also be eligible for other EV incentives, too.
In Canada, there is a federal rebate of $2,500 to $5,000 and then each province has its own rebates. You may also get rebates from your hydroelectricity provider for installing a level 2 charger in your home.
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The Interior on the Ultimate Trim is Clean and Modern
The test model I drove had the Ultimate’s Pebble Blue paint with Grey leather interior and I loved how modern the light dashboard and interior styling matched with the seats, it almost made it look futuristic, but without being too spacey.
The single touchscreen, digital push-button gear shift and small cubby in the console keep the driver cockpit clean, easy to reach and functional.
Ok, What Will the Kona Electric Cost Me?
Starting at $38,085 USD / $44,999 CAD, the price of a Hyundai Kona Electric isn’t ‘cheap’, but keeping in mind the fuel savings over a year, (PLUS any rebates applied) it can be an economical choice overall.
Plus, on average, it costs less than half as much to travel the same distance in an EV than a gas-powered car, so you could save half of whatever you’re currently spending on fuel every month.
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What Model is Right for Me if I want Luxury AND Safety?
The Hyundai Kona EV Essential/SEL [base] trim offers regenerative braking, three drive modes: Sport, Eco and Normal, lane-keeping assist, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity via Bluetooth, a 7″ touchscreen and LED Headlights. The Sport mode kicks the acceleration and handling up a notch, which I loved to test out on dry days!
You’re going to need the Limited/Preferred ($41,600 USD/$46,049 CAD) or model if you want the top of the line safety. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot warning with lane change assist, and parking distance warning in reverse are all included on the Limited (Preferred in Canada) trim. Add to that heated front seats and steering wheel, USB port and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and I think this trim might be the best value.
If you want the luxury of leather seating and a sunroof, you’ll need the Ultimate starting at $45,200 USD / $53,049 CAD. This top-of-the-line trim also comes with automatic high beams, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, power 8-way seat, premium 8-speaker sound system, and rain-sensing wipers.
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The Kona has Everything You Need and it’s Eco-Friendly, too
I wish the Kona was just a touch bigger to work for my family of five, but it could be ideal for a smaller family. It includes lots of bells and whistles, excellent safety features on the top two trims and it’s 100% earth-friendly so you can show your kids that you’re doing your part to help reduce carbon emissions for the future.
What I listened to in the Hyundai Kona
All that silent electric driving is great for popping on a favorite playlist. This is what we loved listening to during our test drive.
Categorized:Car Reviews Electric Cars
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