Here's What We Know About the Refreshed 2022 Hyundai Kona EV

author: Manish Kharinta   

The Kona EV is Hyundai's best selling electric vehicle.

Like most of the world's automakers, South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor Co has bold electrification plans. The company recently announced that it will be introducing 23 battery-powered vehicles by 2025. 

Hyundai's future lineup of EVs will include models introduced under the company's new dedicated electric sub-brand IONIQ. In the meantime, Hyundai just announced a refresh of the Kona Electric crossover for the North American market.

The refreshed Hyundai Kona EV will debut as a 2022 model.

The restyled Kona includes a substantially redesigned exterior and cabin space for the company's all-electric offering. The interior of the battery-only crossover will now include two 10.25-inch display screens, which serve as navigation and digital cluster displays. 

Although the new Kona's electric drivetrain and battery pack have not been updated, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric will come better equipped than its predecessor. 

The all-new Kona Electric now rides on an updated suspension setup, which according to Hyundai, improves the vehicle's ride and handling. The new model is 1.6 inches longer than the outgoing version. Hyundai will also offer its improved "SmartSense" advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in the new Kona.

The refreshed Kona EV will come with a 10.25-inch ceter-mounted display.

In addition to Hyundai's connected charge management services, the new Kona EV comes with better connectivity features and will offer the latest version of Hyundai's BlueLink voice assistant technology.

Hyundai's connected charge management services allows customers to create a charging schedule. It also relays information about the car's charge status, current battery level, real-time range, and time remaining until full charge. 

The car's refresh design bestows the new Kona Electric with a sleeker front grill. The old grille has been replaced by a more aerodynamic unit that flaunts a distinguishing character line that sits underneath the crossover's daytime running lights and badging.

Unlike European markets, which get a 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh version of the all-electric crossover, Hyundai will only offer Kona Electric's 64 kWh battery in the U.S. 

This version will deliver an EPA estimated range of 258 miles. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph  takes 7.9 seconds. 

Hyundai will also add a sportier "N-Line" trim to the Kona model lineup. 

The launch of the new Kona is being overshadowed by Hyundai's massive recall of the Kona due to battery fires. On Feb 24, Hyundai said its recalling roughly 82,000 Kona EVs to replace battery packs that pose a fire risk. The recall is the first major recall of an EV battery pack by a mainstream automaker and will cost Hyundai around $900 million.

The recall affects nearly 76,000 Kona EVs built between 2018 and 2020, including about 25,000 sold in South Korea.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.