Hyundai-Kia has been adamant about swinging into the electric-car segment. Kia debuted the Niro EV concept at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show with 238 miles of range, not so coincidentally the same figure at the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
However, Hyundai’s next act could leapfrog Chevy’s pride and joy. Hyundai released a teaser image for the Kona Electric, and the European press release mentioned 292 miles of range under the new European World Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). The cycle replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), which has always lagged behind real-world estimates. The new cycle, though, will still likely overshoot EPA ratings.
We’ll likely see a Kona Electric range around 240 miles or more.
The release also explained that there will be two powertrains for the Kona Electric, one will likely achieve the figure to outgun the Bolt EV.
We don’t know what GM and Chevy have on deck for the Bolt EV in the years to come, but we do know two new all-electric cars will arrive in less than 18 months. One of them will likely be a more premium electric crossover for the Buick brand.
It’s game on for the electric-car market.
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General Motors’ Vice President of Global Design, Michael Simcoe just recently said of how chemical formulations for batteries continue to evolve with high capacity, getting smaller and lighter as well as becoming less expensive; Hyundai’s new Kona uses a new generation of battery and this sort of situation is not unlike what we see in notebook and smartphone batteries as they seem to get smaller and have the same or higher capacity.
Hopefully the Bolt will continually impr over to stay ahead of the game. GM need to not only advance the battery to make it smaller, stronger, lighter and increase the range of the bolt but increase the vehicles types that uses this technology. Please do not let it get stagnant like you did the Volt technology.
” The game is on”
could not say it better
a small edge ahead for GM and Renault Nissan Mitsubishi ( all make part of the same alliance)
Good to hear. I tend to get around 250-260 miles out of my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. I don’t miss “service” stations, oil changes, or smog checks, and one pedal driving is great!
The competition is on!!!
I hope GM can keep up with the Koreans and the Japanese manufacturers not to mention the Germans.
Good Luck to all but a special good Luck to us getting better electrics
Maybe could should…
And a future Bolt or Volt could beat it by more. Hyundai, when you actually bring out the vehicle for mass public consumption come talk to me. Right now you just have a dream and nothing to show for it. By the time you get it out, something from GM or another manufacturer might up the game. There is always a latest greatest.