Hyundai India has officially pulled the plug on the Kona Electric, marking the end of its nearly five-year run in the Indian market. The Kona Electric, which made its debut in July 2019, was Hyundai’s first electric vehicle (EV) offering in India. However, the company has decided to discontinue it and pave the way for the more affordable Creta EV, set to arrive early next year.
The Kona Electric Journey
The Kona Electric SUVs were initially brought to India as completely knocked-down (CKD) units and were priced at INR 25.30 lakh onwards at launch. Despite its impressive 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an ARAI-rated range of 452km on a single charge, the Kona Electric faced stiff competition from other more affordable e-SUVs like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra XUV400.
Over the course of 59 months, Hyundai managed to sell 2,329 units of the Kona Electric in India, averaging around 39 cars per month. However, the market dynamics shifted, and the Kona Electric gradually lost ground due to pricing and increased competition.
The Creta EV Takes Center Stage
Hyundai’s decision to discontinue the Kona Electric aligns with its strategy to introduce the Creta EV, a mass-market electric SUV. The Creta EV will share some components with the Kona Electric, including the motor, battery, and select interior features. However, Hyundai aims to position the Creta EV more competitively, targeting a broader audience.
The Creta EV is scheduled to go on sale by January, and it promises to offer a compelling package for Indian buyers. With the growing interest in electric mobility, Hyundai hopes that the Creta EV will find greater acceptance in the market.
What Lies Ahead
While the Kona Electric bows out, Hyundai remains committed to electrification. Overseas markets may witness the launch of the new Kona Electric, but there’s no confirmation about its arrival in India. Instead, all eyes are on the Creta EV, which is expected to redefine the electric SUV segment with its affordability and practicality.
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