Kona Electric battery replacements on way

Monthly limited shipments of Hyundai Kona Electric battery packs could start arriving in August – or even sooner, according to Hyundai New Zealand.

Kona Electrics built between May 11, 2018 and March 13, 2020 are likely to require battery replacement under a Hyundai global recall due to what is reported as an alleged folded anode risk in some batteries from an LG Energy Solutions factory in China that has now been fixed.

Hyundai NZ says it has yet to receive official communication from Hyundai Motor Company for the current recall, so does not have final confirmation as to how many vehicles in New Zealand are affected but expects it could be around 462 Kona EVs that could be recalled.

Vehicles having a battery system assembly (BSA, or battery pack) replacement (generally taking about four hours) as part of the first recall (October 2020) would be excluded and they have already been removed from the potential VIN range for the second recall.  

The replacement batteries have to be shipped because of constraints around sending them via air.

Hyundai New Zealand says it’s continuing to liaise with its parent body on the issue.

“We are working with HMC to get this information as quickly as possible but we have no definitive date from them.”

The battery matter doesn’t affect the upgraded Kona Electric Series II now arriving here.

“We have been in communication with our EV customers since the recall hit global headlines earlier in the year and continue to be,” Hyundai NZ says.

“We have advised customers if they have affected vehicles we will be in contact immediately as part of our recall process.”

Hyundai has advised owners of the earlier Kona Electric potentially affected by the battery issue to not exceed 90% when recharging, and some overseas markets are suggesting Kona Electric drivers avoid parking in enclosed spaces as well as a further precaution, although the latter is not official Hyundai Motor Company advice.

Kona Electric owners spoken to by EVs and Beyond say they’re generally obeying the parent company’s guidance, and haven’t stopped using their EVs.

Hyundai NZ says it will be managing the redundant batteries here in New Zealand.

“We are in conversations with a local recycler to dispose of defective modules,” it adds.

“This company is part of the Battery Industry Group, of which we too are a member. There is also a possibility of second life use which we are exploring for selected batteries.”