Hyundai Kona EV Could Have 242-Mile Range

The 2018 Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover was just unveiled in Seoul, South Korea, complete with internal-combustion power. But at least one additional variant is in the works.

At the reveal, company executives teased an electrified version that’s being developed, one that could offer a driving range in excess of 390 kilometers, around 242 miles. With a rating like that, it could give rival EVs including the Chevy Bolt and a run for their proverbial Won.

The company plans to start mass producing this all-electric Kona sometime next year, though there are currently no plans to offer it in the U.S. Details about this vehicle’s powertrain are nonexistent, but given current industry trends, a generously sized lithium-ion battery pack seems likely.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Hyundai Kona Revealed

Beyond this, Hyundai is committed to mass producing other alternative-fuel products, including hydrogen-electric models. Some 31 different “clean mobility” vehicles are expected to be introduced by the year 2020.

A subcompact crossover competing in the so-called B-segment, Kona will be a welcome addition to Hyundai’s utility-vehicle range, which, in the U.S. is comprised of the Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.

Pushing the lineup even further, they’re working on both an A-segment offering, one that’s smaller than the Kona, and an E-segment utility, something larger than the Santa Fe. No word on when these products could hit the market.

As for the Kona, it’s slated to go on sale in South Korea this week; it won’t arrive in America until the first quarter of 2018. The company expects to sell about 26,000 examples in its home market this year.

Euisun Chung, vice president of Hyundai Motor Corporation said, “We will target all drivers around the world.” With a fully fleshed-out crossover range it seems a lot more motorists will be purchasing Hyundais going forward.

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