Kona EV sets range record of 1026 km

Hyundai Motor says a new range record set by three Kona electric vehicles at the Lausitzring circuit in northeast Germany has successfully demonstrated its leadership in electrified mobility.

Over the course of three days, the pure electric SUVs each travelled 1018.7, 1024.1 and 1026.0 km, exceeding the goal of 1000km on a single battery charge.

Each distance also represents a record in terms of 64kWh battery capacity.

The power consumption figures of 6.28, 6.25 and 6.24kWh per 100km were well below the standard value of 14.7kWh per 100km determined by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

European vehicle inspection company Dekra which has operated at Lausitzring since 2017, monitored the 35-hour test process, recording 36 driver changes.

All vehicles used in the test were factory-spec and unmodified, equipped with standard 215/55R17 Nexen N Fera SU1 low rolling resistance tyres.

Each vehicle’s air conditioning and entertainment systems remained off, with power used solely for propulsion. Only the daytime running lights remained on to comply with the legal requirements for road traffic.

The drive teams – one from German trade magazine Auto Bild and two from Hyundai Motor Deutschland – recorded an average speed between 29 and 31km/h to reflect typical inner-city traffic speeds in Europe.

On the third day, the vehicles managed to cover more than 20km with only 3% residual capacity. At zero percent charge, the vehicles continued to drive for several hundred metres before running out of power and coming to a stop.

Hyundai Motor Deutschland GmbH managing director Jürgen Keller says the test confirms that customers can expect to drive the Kona or other Hyundai electrics for long distances without recharging or feeling anxious about the range.

“The Kona is a reliably efficient and eco-friendly lifestyle SUV that is practical for everyday use,” Keller says.

Hyundai Motor plans to lead the global EV market with the launch of its new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles.

The company will introduce three new EV models over the next four years and offer customer centric EV experiences in line with its vision ‘Progress for Humanity’.