South Korean automaker, Hyundai had showcased the Kona compact SUV at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. If latest reports are to be believed, Hyundai will launch the Kona electric model in India in 2019. It could be India’s first pure electric SUV.
Speaking to PTI, Y K Koo, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said, “an electric SUV is among the eight products planned to be launched here between this year and 2020. It is expected in the second half of 2019”. This model will initially be imported as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down Unit), then assembled at Hyundai Motor India Limited facility in Tamil Nadu. Also See – New Hyundai Santro – 5 Things To Know
Hyundai Kona EV Photo Gallery
The company hopes that Government could reduce the GST rates from 12% to 5% on electric vehicles. Adding to it, subsidies via the FAME scheme could push sales of electric vehicles in India. Hyundai could also consider local development of electric cars in India. Also See – Upcoming Hyundai Cars In India
Hyundai Kona EV was unveiled in March 2018. It is equipped with a 140kW (204PS) electric motor with two different battery packs – 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. While the former offers a driving range of 240km, the larger pack increases the range to 390km. Hyundai Kona EV is already on sale in the RHD market of UK. It is priced between GBP 29,495 and GBP 36,295 (around Rs 27 lakh ad Rs 33 lakh).
Hyundai has confirmed that it will launch eight new cars in the Indian market by 2020. The company will launch an entry-level hatchback – codenamed AH2 – during this Diwali. It is likely to be called new Hyundai Santro. Besides, Hyundai will introduce a sub-4 meter compact SUV based on the Carlino concept which was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo.
