Hyundai India has removed the Kona Electric from its official website, hinting at the discontinuation of the model in the Indian market. This move comes as Hyundai gears up for the launch of the much-anticipated Creta EV.
A Pioneering But Slow Seller
Launched in 2019, the Kona Electric held the distinction of being India’s first electric SUV. However, it struggled to gain traction, remaining a relatively unknown entity for many potential buyers. The lack of updates since its launch further dampened its appeal.
Creta EV Poised to Take Over
The Kona Electric’s removal from the website coincides with the development of the Hyundai Creta EV. This new model, expected to arrive in showrooms by January 2025, is likely to replace the Kona Electric entirely. Industry reports suggest the Kona’s age (five years without significant updates) and the upcoming Creta EV as contributing factors to this decision.
Specs and Sales
The Kona Electric offered a 39.2 kWh battery pack mated to a single motor, delivering 134 bhp and 395 Nm of torque. Hyundai claimed a driving range of 452 km on a full charge. Despite being on sale for nearly five years, Hyundai only managed to sell 2,329 units of the Kona Electric in India, translating to an average of roughly 39 cars per month.
Future of the Segment
The Kona Electric’s departure clears the way for the more competitively priced Creta EV. This segment is expected to become increasingly crowded in the coming year, with new entrants like the Tata Curvv EV and the Toyota-Maruti electric twins vying for market share. All these models are likely to fall into a similar price bracket.