More stories

  • in

    Hyundai Kona Electric Owners Affected By Recall – Get Their Car Back After 2 Month Wait

    Image – Akhil Krishnan
    The shift to electric is inevitable, but new challenges are emerging for EV makers

    A recent example is that of Hyundai Kona, which had to undergo a large-scale recall across the globe. The recall was extended to India last year, applicable for Kona units manufactured between the period April 2019 to October 2020. Hyundai had sold a total of 456 units during this period, all of which were covered under the voluntary recall notice.
    Kona battery issue
    Kona recall was carried out to check potential issues with the car’s high-voltage battery management system (BMS). Some users had reported that their Kona would stall after a warning on the MID that asks them to check electric vehicle system. In such cases, most owners had to get their Kona towed to the service centre.
    There were conflicting reports as well, wherein a user had said that the problem could be fixed by restarting the engine. However, even if true, such temporary solutions cannot be expected to be the norm for a premium EV like Kona.
    An expensive recall
    Customers in India have started getting back their Kona after spending several weeks at the workshop. It’s taking longer to patch up the EV, as the entire battery unit is being replaced by Hyundai. It’s not certain if all Kona units will have to undergo the same process, but a significant percentage will have to be updated in this manner.
    Hyundai Kona Electric delivered to owner after getting fixed
    Akhil Krishnan is one such owner, who recently got his Kona back after the fix said that Hyundai has replaced the entire battery unit. His Kona had to spend two and a half months at the service centre while it was being fixed.
    Globally, around 76,000 Kona units are covered under the recall. This will make this recall an expensive exercise for Hyundai. The company has said that it will carry out all the needed updates completely free of cost.
    Recalls are not only expensive, but they also impact customer trust and confidence in an adverse manner. EVs are supposed to make things easier for users, but if there are persistent issues, it may prevent people from switching to electric.
    Hyundai Kona Electric battery replacement
    Kona specs
    Hyundai Kona electric gets its power from a 39.2 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery pack. Power is send to a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that generates 136 ps and 395 Nm of torque. Kona has ARAI certified range of 452 km, which is the highest in its class. The range varies based on the drive mode selected – Eco, Comfort and Sport. Kona can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.7 seconds.
    In terms of safety, Hyundai Kona offers six airbags, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, electronic stability control, virtual engine sound system for pedestrian safety and ISOFIX child seat mounts. More

  • in

    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car Debuts With 470 Kms Range

    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
    Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes on sale later this year in developed countries

    Hyundai has revealed its ambitious Ioniq 5 electric vehicle which is the first offering under the Korean automaker’s electric sub-brand. The mid-sized electric crossover is expected to spearhead the Ioniq brand of EVs in future. The company had earlier revealed its intention of launching 23 new electric cars between now and 2023.
    Exterior Styling
    Available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, Ioniq 5 sports a futuristic design with a contrasting blend of retro-inspired styling which derives most of its elements from the Hyundai 45 concept. This includes its overall silhouette and angular creases running across its profile.
    It marks a departure from the traditional design of Hyundai cars and features pixelated headlights and taillights, unique daytime running lights and a clamshell bonnet which is a first for the Korean brand. Ioniq 5 rides on aero-optimized 20-inch alloy wheels that further resonate with the Parametric Pixel design theme. Its unique proportions and short overhangs are due to an extended wheelbase which also translates to ample space inside the cabin.
    Speaking of proportions, Ioniq 5 measures 4635mm in length, 1890mm and 1605mm tall in addition to a very generous wheelbase of 3000mm. It is built on an Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will also underpin future EVs from both Hyundai and Kia.
    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
    The upcoming Ioniq 6 saloon and Ioniq 7 SUV will be underpinned by the same architecture. As usual with most electric cars, it features a skateboard layout giving a flat interior floor.
    Interior & Features on offer
    Hyundai carries forward the minimalist approach of its exterior design to its interior and yet is in line with all modern premium cars around. The dashboard is dominated by a twin-screen setup which includes a large 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and an equally large digital instrument cluster. Majority of the components inside the cabin have been made from wool, recycled plastics, eco-processed leather, and other sustainable sources.
    Another interesting feature in its equipment is a head-up display compatible with augmented reality. This functionality projects information on navigation on the windscreen.
    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
    Furthermore, the infotainment features the latest version of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech which offers new functionalities such as Routing and Last Mile Navigation. It also displays information on the nearest charging station including availability and estimated charging time.
    Powertrain Setup & Performance
    Coming to its powertrain, it features a single or twin (in AWD variant) electric motor setup which draws its power from either of the batteries- a 58 kWh or a 72.6 kWh. When paired with the former, it can produce an output of 167 bhp and can clock a 0-100 kmph sprint in 8.5 seconds.
    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
    On the other hand, when paired to the larger battery pack it returns a massive output of 302 bhp and 605 Nm of peak torque. This version of the SUV could accelerate 0-100 kmph in just 5.2 seconds and can clock a top speed of 185 kmph.
    The maximum single-charge range offered in Ioniq is claimed to be around 470-480 km according to WLTP cycle. Its charging time is one of the quickest in modern contemporary EVs. Using a 220kW DC fast charger, it takes only 18 minutes to replenish the battery from 10% to 18 percent. Hyundai claims that to obtain a range of 100km users need to charge for only 5 minutes. More

  • in

    Hyundai Kona Electric Rs 1.5 Lakh Discount Jan 2021 – Grand i10 NIOS, Santro, Elantra

    Hyundai Kona Electric MY2020 Gets Rs 1.5 Lakh Discount
    Hyundai currently offers as many as eleven products in the Indian market including Venue, Creta, Grand i10 Nios, i20 and Verna

    Hyundai Motors India Ltd. (HMIL) is offering heavy discounts at the start of a new year. Under the company’s New Year offers, several of its models are being offered with attractive benefits. This even includes its electric crossover Kona Electric.
    This is the first time that the South Korean automaker is offering its EV with a sizeable benefit ever since it was launched in India back in 2019. Hyundai is offering a cash discount of a whopping Rs 1.5 lakh. The EV is currently retailed at a starting price of Rs 23.75 lakh and goes up to Rs 23.94 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
    It is to be noted that the discount is only valid on 2020 model year and not on the 2021 model year. White colour Kona EV 2020 MY is offered with Rs 50k discount, while any other colour comes with a flat Rs 1.5 lakh cash discount.
    Benefits on Santro, Grand i10 Nios
    Hyundai’s entry-level model Santro is also being offered with attractive benefits. It is being offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 15,000 across its range. While the base model is being offered with a cash discount of Rs 10,000, higher Magna, Sports and Asta trims are being offered with a discount of Rs 20,000. Similarly, Grand i10 Nios is offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 10,000 across its range except for diesel-powered variants.
    Hyundai India Discounts – Jan 2021
    The 1.2-litre petrol and CNG variants of Grand i10 are offered with a cash discount of Rs 5000 whereas the turbo petrol variant is being offered with a healthy discount of Rs 25,000. Its sedan sibling Aura is offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 15,000 across the range.
    Its naturally aspirated petrol and diesel-powered variants are offered with an additional cash discount of Rs 10,000 whereas the turbo petrol-powered variant is offered with a cash discount of Rs 30,000.
    Recent Price Hike
    The manufacturer, however, is not offering any sort of benefits for models such as the new generation i20, Venue, Verna, Creta and Tucson. The company recently hiked prices for all its offerings in India. The price hike ranged from Rs. 7,521 to Rs. 32,880 and took effect from the first day of 2021.
    Upcoming Models
    Among new launches, the latest addition to Hyundai’s lineup was the third generation i20 which was launched in November 2020. The premium hatchback competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. The brand has also lined up a few more launches in the coming future which includes a seven-seater version of Creta and a Tata HBX rivalling subcompact UV codenamed AX1. More

  • in

    Hyundai Kona Electric Recalled In India – Over Battery Fire Issues Reported Globally

    File Photo.
    Hyundai Kona competes with other electric crossovers such as MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV in India

    While electric vehicles (EVs) have already established a wide footprint in many international markets, Indian consumers are still warming up to the idea of vehicles running on batteries and electric motors. However, since its technology is relatively new to the automotive world, we often get to see many defects come across with regards to EVs.
    Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Tuesday stated that they will be recalling 456 units of its electric crossover Kona. The company added that the selected models have been manufactured between 1 April 2020 and 31 October 2020.
    Cause of recall
    The South Korean automaker added that it initiated a recall to inspect the problem with its high-voltage battery system in its electric crossover. This is in line with cases of Kona Electric catching fire recently. As many as 13 such incidents have been reported in overseas countries including one each in Canada and Austria. It is being speculated that the high voltage battery system in Kona might be the reason behind this fire.
    Hyundai has assured its customers that all defects will be checked and resolved free of cost. It further added that all Kona Electric owners will be notified about this in a phased manner after which customers can bring their cars to their nearest authorized Hyundai Electric vehicle dealers.
    Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
    Other Cases of recall
    The safety recall has been deemed as a proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles. Similar cases of recall might be issued in other countries where the electric UV is retailed.
    This is not the first time that Kona Electric has been issued a recall. Earlier this year, the brand had issued a recall in regards to software updates and battery replacements. This recall involved Kona electric crossover manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020.
    Batteries used in Kona Electric are made by LG Chem Ltd. LG said that it has conducted a joint experiment with Hyundai to recreate fire but it did not. Therefore, the fire could not be attributed to faulty battery cells and so the exact cause of fire is yet to be known.
    Kona EV in India
    Hyundai launched its first EV offering in India in April 2019 at a price of Rs 23.7 lakh (ex-showroom). The electrified crossover UV is powered by a 39.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor which results in an output of 135 Bhp and 395 Nm of peak torque.
    It has an ARAI certified single-charge driving range of up to 452 km. Using a simple home AC charger, it takes around 6-10 hours for batteries to get fully charged. On using a DC fast charger it takes around 57 minutes for the battery to juice from 0 to 80 percent. More

  • in

    Hyundai Mistra Electric Sedan Debuts With Creta Inspired Front Look

    Hyundai Mistra Electric With Creta Inspired Headlight setup
    The Guangzhou Motor Show is being held from 20-29 November 2020

    2020 Guangzhou Motor Show is currently underway. It is one of the few automotive shows which has been held this year, as most others have cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Several automakers are in attendance at the 18th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, being conducted under the theme of “New Technology, New Life”, where they show off their latest models and technologies.
    Hyundai Mistra
    The new Hyundai Mistra is in attendance at the auto show. This electric vehicle is in the mid size sedan segment and has been designed exclusively for the Chinese market. It will be officially launched sometime in early 2021 and promises to come in with a travel range of approximately 520 km.

    Hyundai Mistra is being made by Beijing-Hyundai, the joint venture between Hyundai and BAIC. It receives sleek styling with a front fascia dominated by a wide front grille with chrome finish, LED headlamps and flowing body work.
    It is smaller in dimensions as compared to the Hyundai Sonata standing 4,780mm in length, 1,815mm in width and 1,460mm in height with a 2,770mm long wheelbase commanding extensive interior space which the company states is the best in its class.

    Interior Features
    Hyundai Mistra gets several cabin comforts and technologies. It boasts of a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3 inch infotainment system and driver assistance systems. Interior highlights also include a panoramic sunroof and a surround view monitor while safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance system, highway driving assistance and navigation based cruise control along with rear cross traffic alert etc.
    Engine specs include a 1.8 liter engine that offers 141 hp power and 176 Nm torque while buyers will also receive an option of a 1.5 liter engine making 168 hp power and 252 Nm torque. The electric variant gets its power via a 56.5 kWh battery pack with power and torque figures at 181 hp and 310 Nm respectively.

    The electric Mistra offers a range of 520 kms. Charging from 30-80 percent is possible in 40 minutes while full charge via a slow charger can be accomplished in 9.5 hours.
    There is soon to be a shift in favor of electric vehicles in China which is set to make up 20 percent of China’s new car sales by 2025 from a current 5 percent as on date. The State Council states that a policy paper is part of the country’s 14th 5 year plan and the Chinese government is set to improve green car quota system to guide automakers to produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. Companies such as Tesla and Volkswagen along with Nio Inc are boosting production of their electric vehicle lineup in China; with sales set to touch 1.1 million this year. More

  • in

    New Hyundai Micro UV Spied First Time – Maruti WagonR Electric Rival?

    Hyundai Micro UV
    Hyundai’s mass market electric car for India is expected to be ready by 2023

    Hyundai has gone on record to state that they are studying the possibility of a mass market EV for India. With the help of its Namyang R&D HQ, Hyundai’s Indian team has already commenced a study to arrive at optimal key parameters (range, power, price, etc) for a mass market EV.
    Hyundai AX1 micro UV spied in Korea
    Prototypes of what could eventually emerge as a mass market electric vehicle for the Asian markets have been spotted on a truck in South Korea. The Venue-style low-mounted headlamps and a prominent grille give away Hyundai’s identity. International media reports claim that these are Hyundai AX1 (codename) micro UV prototypes.
    The camouflaged test mules appear to have near-production body panels. From what we can see, the vehicle features an SUV-ish tall-boy design with a compact footprint. The angular design elements gives the car an interesting and unconventional shape. Finer elements are under wraps but it is reasonable to expect radical design conforming to the brand’s current language.
    Specifications
    The technical details of the new Hyundai AX1 small car are scarce for now but the tall wheels and narrow tyres are indicative of a configuration which is commonly preferred for an electric vehicle.
    Hyundai Micro UV Codenamed AX1 – Rival to Maruti WagonR Electric in India?
    With global automotive markets including India scrambling to adopt electric mobility at the earliest, it would be prudent for any upcoming mass market product to prioritize pure electric powertrain during the development phase even if it has to adopt conventional IC power units at the beginning of its life cycle.
    If the Hyundai AX1 is to be propelled by fossil fuel, then the most likely powertrain candidate is the 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit which is available in both NA and turbocharged guises. As far as electric propulsion system goes, Hyundai is likely to have multiple motor and battery configurations to suit different markets.
    Will it come to India?
    It would be surprising if a car of this size and shape from Hyundai does not make it to India. We expect it to be showcased in the form of a concept at Auto Expo 2022 before its market launch sometime later that year or in 2023. Hyundai’s mass market electric vehicle will be pitted against the upcoming Maruti WagonR EV, Mahindra eKUV100, Citroen sub Rs 8 lakh EV for India, etc.
    Just like Hyundai India’s current mass market products, the upcoming electric vehicle will have over 90% localization in order to achieve a competitive price point. The future is electric and Hyundai knows it very well.
    Source More

  • in

    2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Facelift Debuts – To Go On Sale Next Year

    2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
    Hyundai Kona Electric carries on with the same set of powertrains offered in the pre-facelift model

    Electric cars have taken a sizeable portion of the passenger vehicle segment in global markets over recent years. With EV-related technology evolving at a rapid pace, we are seeing more and more electric cars come up in recent times. We have also witnessed demands for EVs rising due to their cheap running cost and powerful performances.
    Hyundai is one such brand that has found success globally with EV offering Kona Electric over the last couple of years. The Korean automaker has given a mid-life facelift to its most popular electric crossover for 2021 and is scheduled to go on sale in the United Kingdom early next year.

    Exterior Styling Updates
    2021 Kona Electric comes with a healthy dose of cosmetic upgrades both inside and outside its cabin and a host of technological updates as well. Its exterior witnesses the highest number of updates, the most dramatic of them being the revised front nose.
    The new grille gets a smooth nose cone which is starkly different from the radiator grille on the petrol-powered Kona thus distinguishing itself from the latter. This also lends a slight aerodynamic update over the pre-facelifted model.

    New Kona Electric also gets a redefined front bumper which receives a pair of vertical inlets that reduce the amount of turbulent air in the front wheel arches to minimise drag. This is complemented by fresh LED DRLs and a pair of redesigned LED headlights.
    The rear end is very much similar except for slightly reconfigured tail lamps. Black claddings on the old car are now colour-coded. In addition to five colours offered on the electric crossover, another five new paint schemes have been added to its palette.
    Interior & Feature Updates
    Interiors of 2021 Kona electric have seen a fair share of updates including a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system carried from the new-gen i20 and Tucson.

    The new infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Hyundai’s connected tech BlueLink which offers features such as Voice Activated Commands, remote climate control to preheat/precool the cabin and remote charging to benefit from off-peak energy rates.
    In addition, it receives new ambient lighting which complements the two-tone interior colour. Safety equipment too receives enhancements such as rear cross-traffic assistance, safe exit warning, blindspot assistance and eCall which in the event of an accident automatically alerts emergency services.

    Powertrain
    Speaking of its powertrain, there is no change in this department. The facelifted model still receives two powertrain options- 39.2kWh battery pack paired with a 134 bhp motor and a larger 64kWh battery pack mated to a 201 bhp electric motor.
    The former claims a single-charge range of 189 miles and a top speed of 154.5 kmph while the latter claims a range of 300 miles and 167 kmph of top speed. The company will provide a 100kW fast-charger which could juice up the battery by 80 percent in just 47 minutes. More

  • in

    Hyundai Kona Electric Recalled in US and Korea over Battery Fires

    A world-wide recall of Hyundai Kona electric is expected in due course

    Incidents of electric cars catching fire are more common than they should be. The temperature dependence of battery packs, dynamically varying load demand, complex chemicals and several other factors make the battery and other electrical and electronic systems in a modern day electric car very sensitive and potentially volatile.
    While the highly sophisticated battery management system ensures things are kept well within limits, there still are some instances where an EV finds itself in an unfavourable circumstance and before you know it, it’s up in flames.
    Hyundai Kona electric recall
    According to Reuters, South Korea’s transport ministry has issued a statement confirming that Hyundai will voluntarily recall Kona electric in the country over a possible short circuit which could pose a fire risk. It is being reported that neither Hyundai, nor the battery supplier LG Chem were able to ascertain the exact cause of the Kona electric’s reported fire incidents so far.
    Hyundai Kona electric is also sold in India – but there is no update regarding recall for India-spec Kona EV yet.
    Worldwide, there have been thirteen reported incidents of fire involving the South Korean electric compact crossover including one each in Canada and Austria. Speaking about the voluntary recall, Hyundai said, it is a “proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles, which may have contributed to the reported fires.” The OEM added that it will work towards identifying the cause of the fire and address customers’ needs.
    Following the announcement in Korea, Hyundai has initiated a filing for voluntary recall process in the US with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is being reported that the recall will cover vehicles manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020. Over 100,000 units of the Hyundai Kona electric have been sold worldwide.
    Responding to the potential fire risk, LG Chem stated that the reenactment experiment conducted jointly with Hyundai did not lead to fire and hence it could not be attributed to faulty battery cells. However, the battery giant acknowledged that exact cause of the fire could not be determined. LG also stated that it will actively participate in further investigation with the OEM to identify the actual cause of the fire.
    Will there by a worldwide recall including in India?
    With the cause not determined, every Hyundai Kona electric on the road across the world should be considered as a potential fire hazard. The company is expected to announce a comprehensive recall program covering all the markets including India in due course. The fix is likely to involve a software upgrade, inspection and replacement, if necessary, of the battery pack.
    Source More