Throttlebox

According to Hyundai, the Kona Electric will be ‘India’s First Real Electric SUV’. The electric version is due for India launch on 9 July. It is believed that Hyundai will introduce the Kona EV in India via the CKD route and it will be locally assembled at the company’s facility in Chennai. Reports indicate Hyundai to bring 1,000 units of the Kona Electric in India.

As compared to the regular model, the electric version gets subtle updates in form of a new grille with charging port, redesigned front bumper with aerodynamic intake vents, and a revised rear bumper to conceal the exhaust vents.The battery pack is integrated into the all-new platform, and the e-SUV comes with 373-litre boot space.

Internationally, the Kona EV is available with two powertrain options that offer different power outputs and driving range. The Short Range variant is powered by a 39.2kWh battery pack that provides a range of 300km. It makes 133bhp of maximum power and can make the 0-100kmph sprint in 9.3 seconds. The Long Range version is powered by a 64kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of 470km. It produces 201bhp with and does 0-100kmph in 7.6 seconds. The 39.2kWh version can be fully charged in 6 hours, while the 64kWh battery pack takes around 9 hours to charge.

Additionally, the Kona electric comes with a 100kW DC fast charger, which can charge the SUV up to 80 per cent in just 54 minutes. The Kona EV is likely to be priced between Rs 25 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs.

The Tata Nexon EV is offered in three variants including XM, XZ Plus, and XZ Plus Lux. Also on offer are Dark edition trims.

Market introduction:

The Tata Nexon EV was launched in India on 28 January, 2020.

Engine and specification:

Propelling the Tata Nexon EV is a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 74bhp and 170Nm of torque.

Exterior design:

In terms of exterior design, the Tata Nexon EV gets projector headlamps, LED DRLs, tri-arrow LED tail lights, piano-black ORVMs, roof rails, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna, and electric blue accents.

Interior and features:

Inside, the Tata Nexon EV receives features in the form of an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a cooled glove-box.

Colours:

The Tata Nexon can be had in teal blue, moonlit silver, glacier white, and black (Dark Edition).

Seating capacity:

The Tata Nexon EV has a seating capacity of five occupants.

Rivals:

The Tata Nexon EV does not have any direct competition in the EV market. In terms of price, it rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, and the Tata Harrier.