The launch of Hyundai’s electric SUV, the Kona, heralds a new era in the field of automotive electrification in India.

The Kona SUV, purported to be India’s first fully-electric SUV is based on a permanent magnet synchronous motor powertrain that claims to give the longest electric range of 452 km on a single charge. The 136 hp motor is said to release an instant torque of 394.2 Nm upon heavy acceleration that is capable of catapulting it from naught to a hundred in 9.7s.

The motors are powered by a 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer ion battery that can be charged to 100% in 57 minutes on a 50kW DC power supply or in a little over 6 hours on AC power supply.

In terms of design, the Kona comes with all LED lighting clusters, a seamless front grille and extensive body cladding along the skirts and arches that integrates into the lower lip of the front bumper. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and has the electric badging at key positions on the body panels. On offer are four solid colour options, namely a white, black, blue and silver. A white on black dual-tone paint scheme can also be had for a premium of Rs. 20,000 over the regular price.

The interior is made of premium materials and comprises of a bridge-type central console that serves as the command centre for ‘shifting’ and electronic parking brakes. The seats are upholstered in leather and feature ventilation and 10-way electric adjustment for the front row. There is a long list of convenience features such as a 7-inch digital instrument cluster with a heads up display unit, an 8-inch touch-enabled infotainment system with smartphone compatibility, electric sunroof and heated wing mirrors among other things.

In terms of safety, the Kona gets 6 airbags, hill assistance, parking assistance through sensors and cameras, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear defogger and a Virtual engine sound system to appraise fellow motorists on the road of its presence.

The SUV gets a 3 year/unlimited kilometres warranty with an 8 year/1,60,000 km warranty for the battery pack. It retails at an introductory price (ex-showroom) of Rs. 25.30 lakh and is pitted against future rivals such as the MG eZS SUV that shall be launched in December this year.