Modern electric vehicles have evolved over the last 10 years, transforming from a green vehicle alternative to falling more in line with consumer expectations. Drivers wanted more performance, comfort, and convenience features, and manufacturers such as Hyundai listened. Today, Hyundai offers a lineup of EVs, such as the Kona Electric, that deliver fun-to-drive performance, elevated interiors, and the latest technology.
This booming segment of the automobile industry has resulted in tens of thousands of charging stations opening throughout the United States to support the growth. If you’re still on the fence about switching to an EV, Huffines Hyundai Plano can help. We had our EV experts put together this blog explaining the pros and cons of electric vehicles to help you decide.
Pro: Exterior Style
Electric vehicles such as the Kona Electric boast a sophisticated, modern style that turns heads wherever it goes. For example, the Kona Electric has a lower front and rear fascia featuring LED lighting systems and an aerodynamic design. Soft curves and sleek lines give the Kona Electric an athletic silhouette as it rolls by on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Pro: Spacious and Refined Interiors
Hyundai EVs offer more interior space, but not because Hyundai increased the car’s overall size. The EV powertrain uses an electric motor and a single-speed gearbox, which are smaller than a traditional gas engine and transmission. Eliminating the old powertrain tunnel beneath the car allows for a lower cabin floor and more interior space without raising the roofline.
For example, the Hyundai Kona Electric’s driver-centric design offers spacious comfort in a clean, contemporary style. You have two trims to choose from: the SEL and Limited. Inside the top-tier Limited model, you have heated and ventilated front seats and leather-trimmed upholstery. In addition, Hyundai continues to use bio-friendly materials throughout the Kona’s cabin. Using recycled materials to create comfortable and modern furnishings goes further to help the environment than simply lowering emissions.
Pro: Kona Electric Technology
Hyundai’s vision for the Kona Electric was to deliver advanced electrified propulsion paired with the latest in-vehicle tech. Therefore, the Kona comes with a 10.25-inch fully digital information cluster that displays all your critical driving data in a customizable way. You also get the Hyundai Digital Key that enables remote operations using your cellphone.
In addition, you have a 10.25-inch touch screen that operates your Kona Electric Limited’s infotainment system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology come preloaded. You can sync your smartphone for wireless, hands-free operations, allowing you to access your favorite apps, get navigation information, make calls, and use simple voice commands.
The Limited trim also comes standard with Hyundai’s Dynamic Voice Recognition software. This technology lets you roll down your windows, pop the tailgate, and operate other vehicle systems with verbal commands. To learn about the available trim levels for the Hyundai Kona EV, click here!
Pro: Electric Powertrain
Hyundai put the full weight of its research and development into creating the next generation of EV propulsion. As a result, the Kona Electric powertrain utilizes a 150-kilowatt-hour, permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery. The 356-volt battery’s 64-kWh capacity drives the motor, producing 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. Compared with the gas-powered Kona Limited, which produces 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, you see the difference electricity makes. What’s more, the Kona Electric can travel 258 miles on a full charge.
Pro: Recharging Capability
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
The standard 220/240-volt level-2 home charging station recharges your Kona Electric from 10% to 100% in just over nine hours. You can take advantage of level-3 quick-charging stations at 50 kilowatts to power up from 10% to 80% in only 64 minutes. Using a 100-kW level-3 quick-charging station, you can charge from 10% to 80% in only 47 minutes.
The Kona Electric captures additional electricity with three levels of regenerative braking, further expanding your driving range. When you need to recharge, you can set up your home charging schedule using Hyundai’s Bluelink app, which lets you schedule your charging times for off-peak energy rates, saving you more money.
With every Kona Electric purchase, Hyundai includes complimentary 250-kilowatt hours of charging at any Electrify America charging station. Two hundred fifty kilowatt-hours translates to 1,000 miles of driving. In addition, you can take advantage of Hyundai Home and realize even more savings. With Hyundai Home, you get solar panels installed to capture and use the sun’s energy to power your home electrical systems and charging station. Plus, you get an energy storage system that stores excess energy for later use.
Pro: Hyundai SmartSense Driver-Assist Technology
Every Kona Electric comes with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your Plano commute and keep you safe. These systems utilize advanced optics and radar to monitor your vehicle, alerting you to possible hazards. You’ll also receive visual and audio alerts and, in certain situations, emergency brake support to help you mitigate or avoid a potential collision.
Con: Charging Availability
In some instances, you might not have the ability to install a home charging station, which would result in you relying entirely on public charging stations. While there are hundreds of stations around Plano, you might find your commute disrupted by having to divert to charge.
Range anxiety remains the number one concern for drivers reticent to switch. You can find a gas station on nearly every corner in America. Not so with charging stations. You don’t want to find yourself low on battery power with no charging station nearby. This fact requires more planning for your commute, especially if you enjoy long road trips.
Con: Higher MSRP
The cost to own an EV generally runs several thousand dollars more than its gas counterpart. For example, the Hyundai Kona Electric starts at $34,000. The gas-powered Kona starts at $21,300. So, if you have budget restrictions, investing in an EV requires more money. However, tax incentives and the lower cost of ownership help offset the higher initial price.
Explore the Hyundai EV Lineup Today
Huffines Hyundai Plano understands what drivers want in an EV. If you’re still on the fence about whether an EV is meant for you, we invite you to explore our inventory online. Or, if you prefer a personal demonstration of the power and performance of an EV, you can stop by our Plano dealership on Coit Road at your convenience. One of our EV experts will happily show you the different EV models and even let you take your favorite for a spin.