New Generation Kona EV

Hyundai released prices in U.K.
As far as price (a little expensive), For Canada I would think it would be somewhat below the iZEV cap of $70,000 for the top Ultimate (sunroof, ventilated seats, sub-woofer, surround view monitor) and N-Line, and probably less considering the competition is heating up (Volvo EX-30), also must keep a gap between Ionic5 series.
(V2L equipped with all trims)
I am impressed at the new specs:
DC charging - 103.2 kW
Increase in range from 490 km to 513 km (to be confirmed EPA)
Luggage capacity increase from 332 litres to 466 litres.
Hyundai KONA Electric | Specification | July 2023
Patiently waiting to see the Cdn release (including the maintenance schedule)

 

Couple of new tid-bits.... one good (maybe), the other not so much (to be confirmed when specs are released)
Not so good first:
check out the pack clearance starting @ 0.50 seconds of video

and now the good (maybe), again depends on spec release for region (built in dash cam c/w audio) video starting @ 1.59

If the pack is lower than the gen 1 version (consumption Kona as called in video), I think this might be a pass for me as much as I like all the other features, will have to wait for specs release.

 

Awesome video, thanks for the link. (Please re-post in I6 and I5 forums)

My thoughts are positive as HMC appears to be moving away from the Low Conductivity coolant. I believe the original I5's have dual coolant (glycol based for electronics and LC type for the pack). Not specified in video coolant type.
The use of aluminum for bus bars is acceptable provided the termination method is reliable as mentioned in video. The termination points are always most important when using aluminum due to the expansion/contraction characteristics.
I also like the fusible links between modules to isolate if necessary.
Noticeable was the writing on one of the cells (Ionic 6 cell) which I believe to be LG composition, although I may be wrong, possibly have switched to CATL as is the new gen Kona EV. (don't think there would be much difference in the housing but again unsure).
I am also a fan of HMC spending a bit extra on the venting provided using that special gasket, eliminating extra costs of specified vent locations.
Really excited to see this kind of progress in pack design.
Now if HMC could swing over to NCAS (a really important feature for N.A as our CCS DC charging network leaves a lot of room for improvement), even with the reported rather dismal 100 kW charging speed, that might convince me to purchase a 24 Kona EV providing the purchase cost is under the $60,000 CDN price cap for the iZEV rebate for the Ultimate (top end) model.

 

There is at least one Kona EV documented magic dock success on this forum, however I don't see Tesla expanding on that (on their penny), as it was more or less a trial pre NCAS opening to all EVs. There are not many around (just in the States) and few and far between.
NCAS is to be the accepted standard, all manufactures including HMC must comply or risk losing credibility (and sales). Superchargers are so far ahead in well located areas there really is little competition except in less travelled areas.

 

Production begins in the Czech plant for European market (including 42 countries) utilizing LG battery cells manufactured in Wroclaw, Poland.




I kind of suspect the units destined for N.A. probably won't start production in Ulsan S.K. c/w the CATL battery until the new year
It will however enable some time for reviews from those lucky European owners, which is not a bad thing.

 

Hyundai's NA release info
Also, EV Specifications release info which came out pretty much the same time.
Of note, confirmation of 100kW DC charging c/w pre-conditioning, also confirmation of water based cooling system.
Clearence is also 6.9 inches- a previous video had me a little worried.
Now the wait for price confirmation.

in the EV specifications page, 2024 trunk volume = 25.5 cubic feet - compare to 2023 = 19.2 cubic feet, overall the Maximum trunk volume (with rear seats down) 2024 = 63.67 cubic feet, 2023 = 45.8 cubic feet, so an increase there as well.
there is a frunk now as well, .95 cubic feet, but I am not sure that would fit with HP equipped vehicles, maybe.

 

The front end - agreed... too many Plastic pixels, and that DRL light band up close looks like a "Tape light" like you see at the hardware box stores (JMHO)


Probably stick with the updated 2024 ID4 as a replacement, unless the price is beyond reasonable - the model I want Pro-S might also not qualify for iZEV, have to wait and see.