Hyundai has delivered the first Kona Electric in the U.S. maret to Donald Small, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric oncologist and director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center’s Division of Pediatric Oncology.
An early adopter of electric vehicles, and instrumental in the installation of the plug-in station infrastructure at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Donald Small is an advocate and leader in environmentally-friendly living practices including the use of zero-emission vehicles for better air quality to reduce health problems and symptoms related to air pollution.
“As a strong advocate for eco-friendly living—which includes doing my part to reduce carbon emissions from the energy we consume—I’ve equipped my home with 64 solar panels connected to the utility power grid, and the surplus renewable energy we produce is fed onto the grid. By implementing renewable energy generation with net-metering, we rely less on the grid and produce more than 90% of our energy use,” said Dr. Donald Small. “I’ve also been driving an electric vehicle for more than seven years, and today, I finally have the opportunity to upgrade my EV and support a quality brand that has committed over 15 years in funding pediatric cancer research.”
“Nothing makes me prouder than to hand the keys to the very first 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric sold in the U.S. to Dr. Donald Small,” said John Szymanski, General Manager, Mid-Atlantic Region, Hyundai Motor America.” We share many common values including our commitment to supporting and funding pediatric cancer research through Hyundai’s Hope On Wheels program and our joint commitment to a clean environment.”
The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb.-ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels. The powertrain inverter has a power density of 25.4 kVA per liter. The battery system is liquid-cooled and operates at 356 volts. Battery pack energy density is 141.3 Wh/kg (greater than Chevy Bolt), with a total battery system weight under 1,000 lbs. In addition, Kona Electric EPA-estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined.
The Kona Electric utilizes a standard Level-II on-board charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics. Kona Electric estimated range is a segment-leading 258 miles, meeting the varying needs of owner lifestyles. An eighty percent charge can be achieved in 54 minutes with a Level-III quick charge (zero to 80 percent charge @ 100 kW charging capability), using the SAE-Combo charging port, while a 7.2 kW Level-II charger takes nine hours and thirty-five minutes. This fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. For charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area for head-in parking ease whenever charging is needed.
Kona Electric battery is covered by Hyundai’s industry leading Lifetime Battery Warranty. All Kona Electric models include complimentary three-year Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services (models equipped with factory navigation). Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Google Home®, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search by Voice®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. In addition, Kona Electric adds exclusive EV-oriented features such as Remote Charge Management, Charge Scheduling, EV Power History and EV Range.
The 2019 Kona Electric joins Hyundai’s successful new Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade in a full line-up of Hyundai crossovers for the U.S. market. The 2019 Kona Electric models are now available in California and in the ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.
