2023 Hyundai Kona Electric announced with 490km of range

Details of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric have been released, with the small battery-powered SUV offering up to 490 kilometres of range (WLTP test cycle).

The Electric joins the rest of the Kona line-up, which includes both petrol and hybrid models – announced by Hyundai in January 2023.

The Kona Electric will be available locally in either Standard Range or Long Range specification, which determines power output as well as driving range.

The Kona Electric Standard Range comes with a 48.4kWh battery pack, which powers a 115kW/255Nm electric motor driving the front wheels.

While Hyundai Australia has not quoted a driving range for the 48.4kWh battery, overseas reports claim the vehicle is capable of driving up to 342km on a single charge (WLTP) – helped by the Kona's aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of 0.27.

MORE: 2023 Hyundai Kona model range outlined, due in Australia mid-year

The Kona Electric Long Range comes with a 65.4kWh battery pack, which feeds a 160kW/255Nm electric motor – also powering only the front wheels – and has a claimed maximum driving range of 490km (WLTP).

Unlike other vehicles that offer a choice of electric or petrol power, Hyundai says the Kona was developed as an electric car first, before being adapted to accommodate more traditional petrol and hybrid engines.

Along with boot space of up to 466 litres (VDA standard), the Kona Electric adds an extra 27 litres of storage under the 'frunk' (the front trunk).

The Kona Electric is equipped with a 400-volt electric system with Vehicle to Load (V2L) with interior and exterior outlets, adjustable air 'fins', and a single-pedal driving mode with higher levels of regenerative braking.

Also specific to the Kona Electric are special 'pixel' headlights and graphics, a head-up display, artificial engine sound, battery preconditioning to improve range performance in cold weather, a charging port door lamp for improved night visibility, and a system that prevents the charging port door from freezing shut.

MORE: 2023 Hyundai Kona detailed, on track for Australia with hybrid power

Continuous Over-the-Air (OTA) updates enable the Kona Electric to receive the latest software without the vehicle needing to visit a Hyundai dealership.

As with the rest of the new Hyundai Kona range, the SUV features autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, speed sign recognition, and auto high beam.

Owners can lock, unlock, and also start their Kona using their smartphone or smart watch.

Inside, dual 12.3-inch screens integrate both the digital instrument display and infotainment duties – including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – with music piped through an eight-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with subwoofer.

MORE: Hyundai Kona N nearing end of the road as successor unlikely

While there's no high-performance, turbocharged Kona N planned for this generation, each variant will be available in sporty 'N Line' trim.

The Kona Electric is due to arrive alongside the Kona Hybrid later this year, following initial deliveries of petrol models in mid 2023.

For more information on the wider 2023 Hyundai Kona range, check out Drive's earlier coverage found here and here.