Hyundai Kona EV pre orders open

Old diesel

Smcani wrote: »

Hello, Sinead here. Many thanks for sharing the video. I did document some longer distance journeys over on my Instagram (username: whatshedrives, saved under the highlight ‘Kona EV’). I would have quite liked to do a long distance trip for this one too but unfortunately we couldn’t make the logistics work this time, and we also wanted to get a standard review out there first. May well look in to getting it back for a similar feature in the future.

I also just wanted to officially introduce myself on this forum as I’m a long term lurker. Have found it so helpful in researching and addressing the type of questions people might have. Fascinating to read real life owner experiences too. And promise I’m not just here to plug my videos! ��

(Had to remove the link but it was a Youtube video review I did for CarsIreland on the Kona EV)

Nice one thank you.

Welcome to boards

DesperateDan

I am hearing ads on the radio and seeing them on T, and online daily for the electric Kona with that Hyundai lady's low voice.

Must be big money, it sounds to me like of the 200 odd that came in to the country they probably still have half of them left!

Water John

I thought the figures for Jan sales stats for Kona EV were in the order of 360?

Electric car total for Jan 2019 is 811. Kona EV is the lead seller is this segment.

TCP/IP

Just had a look on Carzone nearly €50k for a Hyundai are they completely insane you would want be some idiot to spend that on some Korean plastic paddy spec car. Pure insanity.

Mike9832

TCP/IP wrote: »

Just had a look on Carzone nearly €50k for a Hyundai are they completely insane you would want be some idiot to spend that on some Korean plastic paddy spec car. Pure insanity.

Yeah it's ****ing madness, it's like they want it to fail/not sell them

Hyundai/Kia group are taking the piss imo

Its nearly 40k after vrt/grant deduction

Would love to see the cost breakdown of it

Buyers must be covering the R&D/implementation cost or something, cause in no world does that car cost the Koreans 50k to make

10-12k covers the battery,drivetrain, charge port etc rest is all the same as the ICE version, less the engine, gearbox, exhaust system etc

In terms of pure materials it cant cost more than 5k over an a decent spec ICE Kona

Zenith74

This is one of the first ex-demo Kona's I've seen from the UK!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201902225181978?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&postcode=st42ba&fuel-type=Electric&model=KONA&make=HYUNDAI&year-to=2019&search-target=usedcars&sort=datedesc&saved-search-id=2c929afe68ec7d8d0168ecd458a20006&logcode=pp

€44k, 5250km on the clock

Water John

Yeah, have taken the dip and took delivery of a new Kona EV yesterday. OH will be driving it. 191 C Kona.

slave1

Water John wrote: »

Yeah, have taken the dip and took delivery of a new Kona EV yesterday. OH will be driving it. 191 C Kona.

Congrats, take care of that car and it should be a 10year+ purchase given the battery size

Water John

Thanks, was having to make some move as 3 year PCP was up on the Leaf.
Know improvements and cheaper on the way but this will be a long term buy.
Brought it from Limerick to Cork yesterday and only a fraction of the battery used.
Will be charging both on night rate leccie, so running costs will be pittance.

bonoman66

Water John wrote: »

Yeah, have taken the dip and took delivery of a new Kona EV yesterday. OH will be driving it. 191 C Kona.

Congratulations. It's been a huge upgrade for me personally from my 12 year old low spec diesel. Absolutely loving it. Easily getting 300KM-350KM approx with mainly motorway driving at full 120KMPH, temps 7 degrees, lights on, heater on, full load etc..(Comfort Mode, Regen 0-1 on Motorway - stepping up to Regen 3 when hitting smaller towns passing through non motorway areas etc..)

Recently with milder weather & more urban than motorway (but still a little motorway maybe 30% approx), I've seen the range increase to 404KMs on a full charge.

In fact in this milder weather, with 2 recent short hop journeys (non motorway 18 KM each approx, I got a 12.8 kWh/100KM consumption rate, in Sport Mode :-))

Incredible car & such a pleasure to drive (coming from my low spec 12 year old diesel etc..).

Zappi is working very well at home too.

Best of luck with it.

paulm123

new kona driver and new on here,
transfering from ICE, i would echo bonnoman on the range in reality with the Kona.
enjoying the car , i think the price at 37 k for a range of 450km compares very well with the nissan leaf similer spec for 32500 and range of 270 km which i looked at as well as the egolf.
i would have liked a bit of choice around the spec but the range was the deciding factor,
i went with white as i like the interior more than the darker one, i got the charger at home and intend to charge there.
Who is the cheapest electric company to go with?

bonoman66

paulm123 wrote: »

new kona driver and new on here,
transfering from ICE, i would echo bonnoman on the range in reality with the Kona.
enjoying the car , i think the price at 37 k for a range of 450km compares very well with the nissan leaf similer spec for 32500 and range of 270 km which i looked at as well as the egolf.
i would have liked a bit of choice around the spec but the range was the deciding factor,
i went with white as i like the interior more than the darker one, i got the charger at home and intend to charge there.
Who is the cheapest electric company to go with?

Welcome to the forum.

Hope you enjoy it & the banter..

I've learned a lot here (& continue to learn).

The Kona Electric is one of few cars I thought actually looked good in White too (interior being the lighter color suits it I think).

Hope you've a great time with the car.

Sorry can't answer re the cheapest Electric Company - haven't done my homework yet there myself..

Cheers

ELM327

paulm123 wrote: »

new kona driver and new on here,
transfering from ICE, i would echo bonnoman on the range in reality with the Kona.
enjoying the car , i think the price at 37 k for a range of 450km compares very well with the nissan leaf similer spec for 32500 and range of 270 km which i looked at as well as the egolf.
i would have liked a bit of choice around the spec but the range was the deciding factor,
i went with white as i like the interior more than the darker one, i got the charger at home and intend to charge there.
Who is the cheapest electric company to go with?

I reccomend bonkers for comparing the best Electric rates
I'm currenty with bord gais energy till april when I will shop around again.


Coming from a car without the tech that is missing in the new Kona (irish spec is missing a lot), the new Kona is a great leap forward in terms of range. And they are very good looking too imo. There's a white one that I pass every morning heading towards Athboy from Navan.

paulm123

i wasnt comparing my old car to the kona , i was comparing to the leaf and the golf.
spec price and range the kona overall combination was the best imo (obvious i guess since thats what i'm driving).


tx for the tip re bonkers , i'm not signed up with anyone so i can take my pick

Water John

Nice few new owners there, well wear. Is there a list?
191 C White.

unkel

You got one Water John? Must be an enormous improvement compared to your Leaf in range and performance. Well wear!

Water John

Yeah, I'd say usually it will be plugged in, once a week, but will always do the longer trips for either of us. Leaf will do my short journeys. Very interested in going 2 EV. I think the lawn mower is next to be changed to robot. Then the OFCH, either a stove or wood gasification.

Just looking at what a family, can realistically do environment wise, without being rabid on the issue. Recently purchased a De Walt battery chainsaw as well.

unkel

Water John wrote: »

Just looking at what a family, can realistically do environment wise, without being rabid on the issue.

You and me both, man. Upgraded my PV to 3.8kwp a few weeks ago. It produces more electricity per year than I use (excluding my car). Over the year about 80-85% of my water is heated by the sun via solar thermal

I tried micro wind too, but that was just not viable in a Dublin housing estate

I have very limited means, but I am trying to do my best. The way our generation and the generations before us have left this earth to our children and grand children is disgraceful.

Water John

Fair play Unkel, everyone plays the game in front of them. I'm able to put one of the EVs in the Co so that sees after its costs.
Considering putting a shed near the house and I will make sure the roof is orientated correctly as future proofing.
Kona was pricey but it was an issue solved. Once decision made and OH on board I tend not to look back. Hope to get a good trip some time soon and will report.

unkel

Water John wrote: »

Considering putting a shed near the house and I will make sure the roof is orientated correctly as future proofing.

Indeed. Considering a garden room, max size (without PP) would leave enough space for at least an additional 3.6kwp solar, which would almost double my array :cool:

Ce he sin

I've been looking at the Hyundai website. The cheapest petrol Kona is about €21,000. The cheapest EV is about €37,000. I know the EV is at a higher spec so as to disguise the higher price but nonetheless €16,000 is an awful lot extra. But here's the thing. That €37,000 is after a €5,000 VRT credit and a €5,000 SEAI grant. The price before incentives is, if I understand correctly, therefore €47,000 before a dig out from the taxpayer. You'd want to be mad, deeply committed to EVs or both to buy a Kona EV if it wasn't so heavily incentivised.

Water John

Yes, IWT that 64Kw EVs will come in €5K lower in the future but then the subsidy may be gone. I think we'll be keeping it a long time so will be writing it off over time. It will be paid for, in full in 5 years.

unkel

Ce he sin wrote: »

I've been looking at the Hyundai website. The cheapest petrol Kona is about €21,000. The cheapest EV is about €37,000. I know the EV is at a higher spec so as to disguise the higher price but nonetheless €16,000 is an awful lot extra. But here's the thing. That €37,000 is after a €5,000 VRT credit and a €5,000 SEAI grant. The price before incentives is, if I understand correctly, therefore €47,000 before a dig out from the taxpayer. You'd want to be mad, deeply committed to EVs or both to buy a Kona EV if it wasn't so heavily incentivised.

You understand it perfectly. Kona EV in Ireland is by no means a cheap car, at a massive EUR37k after EUR10k incentives. And it is not well specced either. An Ioniq at EUR26k (after incentives) is a bigger car and has a better spec. But obviously not the range.

Call_me_Al

I wish the VRT was scrapped at this stage

unkel

The VRT is scrapped at this stage, Call_me_al

There is no VRT on EVs worth EUR35k or less.

Call_me_Al

it should be scrapped for non EV too

patmac

Water John wrote: »

Yeah, I'd say usually it will be plugged in, once a week, but will always do the longer trips for either of us. Leaf will do my short journeys. Very interested in going 2 EV. I think the lawn mower is next to be changed to robot. Then the OFCH, either a stove or wood gasification.

Just looking at what a family, can realistically do environment wise, without being rabid on the issue. Recently purchased a De Walt battery chainsaw as well.

Well ware, I have an Ioniq and it suits me and my budget fine and it’s the best thing I have bought, the second best is the robot lawn mower, does a brilliant job, no cuttings and no moss. Sorry for going off topic.

paulm123

Ce he sin wrote: »

I've been looking at the Hyundai website. The cheapest petrol Kona is about €21,000. The cheapest EV is about €37,000. I know the EV is at a higher spec so as to disguise the higher price but nonetheless €16,000 is an awful lot extra. But here's the thing. That €37,000 is after a €5,000 VRT credit and a €5,000 SEAI grant. The price before incentives is, if I understand correctly, therefore €47,000 before a dig out from the taxpayer. You'd want to be mad, deeply committed to EVs or both to buy a Kona EV if it wasn't so heavily incentivised.

as a kona driver i am obviously biased but i dont get the Kona is so expensive argument, a similer speced leaf is 32.5k and the range is 280 compared to 450km, if the Kona is expensive then the Leaf must be outrageous surely (driver bias acknowledged)

davemie

I'm currently in the market for a new car, an upgrade from my 14 year old estate which has done little but give trouble over the last two years. Mostly electrical faults with not starting.

So I have a few thoughts about the Kona

1. The Kona EV is 49k in the local garage. Yes you get 10k back, but I really don't think the Kona EV stacks up against other cars that cost 49k. In fact, apart from being an EV, it falls very short of those other cars in that price range.

2. I have three kids under 7 (one baby seat, two boosters) and I feel that the Kona is a little tight on space in the back seats. It would be OK for a few years, but as the kids get bigger, the lack of space would become more of a problem. Would it be better to wait for the Kia e-Niro?

3. Comparing to the other EVs (Leaf / Ioniq), the Kona EV is quite a bit more expensive for the additional range. I could be wrong, but it appears to be roughly 150 miles vs 250 miles. The vast majority of my travel would fall within the lower range, with maybe at most ten longer distance trips a year, where I would have to stop for an hour or so somewhere. Is that extra range worth the extra cost when it would not be needed most of the year?

4. Comparing to other similar ICE, again the Kona EV is far more expensive. Running costs would be a lot lower for an EV, but over a five to ten year period, would the additional up front cost of the Kona EV pay off?

I really like that idea of getting an EV, and I really need to replace what I currently have. Anyone on here that has purchased an Kona does appear to be very happy, which is really great news. But those same people are probably upgraded from an old car making the experience night and day between the two.

If you were to look at the purchase based solely on return on investment, when compared against other EVs / ICE, where do you think that Kona EV stands?

KCross

davemie wrote: »

I'm currently in the market for a new car, an upgrade from my 14 year old estate which has done little but give trouble over the last two years. Mostly electrical faults with not starting.


If you were to look at the purchase based solely on return on investment, when compared against other EVs / ICE, where do you think that Kona EV stands?

Forget about EV for a minute.... if you were to go out and buy a new replacement car, what would it be? That would give us an idea of what you are after and what budget you have etc.

Then compare those cars to the Kona EV. Otherwise comparisons are meaningless as we often get people comparing entry level petrol models to EV's which isnt apples to apples at all. Show us what you are looking at and then we can compare.


Since you're looking at a Kona I presume you are also looking at the likes of a Tuscon or a Sportage or a Kuga etc. A new 1.6d Tuscon in mid spec trim is €32k+ so thats €6k gap between it and Kona EV.

If you are doing any decent kind of mileage in it the extra spend will be paid for in ~3yrs in fuel savings. YMMV.

But the Kona is small so I'd agree it probably doesnt suit you with growing kids. The eNiro is a better bet but thats not yet available and price and spec not yet announced.

davemie

KCross wrote: »

Forget about EV for a minute.... if you were to go out and buy a new replacement car, what would it be?

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not really pushed about the car to be honest, something that is comfortable, value for money, will fit the three kids and can carry the weekly shop in the boot.

The main reason, which I failed to mention, pushing me toward an EV is that I could buy the car via my company and not have to pay BIK for three years. Otherwise I would purchase the car privately and probably pick up a second hand car for about 20k.

From what I heard, the eNiro maybe a better fit as I understand it is a little larger, but my current car broke down again last night and is currently on the way to the garage. I feel I may get about three or four months out of it max (that's if they can fix it). If there is such a thing as a long (3 months) term car rental, maybe I could wait a little longer.

(Edit)
I just called Kia, eNiro is not expected in October, but the eSoul should be out in July. I may have to switch with the Kona or Leaf.

Mickeroo

How long are your regular journeys? The Ioniq and Leaf 40 are more spacious than the Kona and about 10k cheaper if you were willing to compromise on the range.

KCross

davemie wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not really pushed about the car to be honest, something that is comfortable, value for money, will fit the three kids and can carry the weekly shop in the boot.

The big question then is, do you need the extra range or not?
Will it be the only car in the house?
What will its max daily mileage be (excluding the rare long journey)?

If its less than 200km you should look at EV's in that range.

davemie wrote: »

The main reason, which I failed to mention, pushing me toward an EV is that I could buy the car via my company and not have to pay BIK for three years. Otherwise I would purchase the car privately and probably pick up a second hand car for about 20k.

Two small gotchas is that you dont get the full grant if you buy via a company so that will make an EV purchase €1200 more expensive as a company grant is €3800 vs €5000 for a private individual.
https://www.seai.ie/grants/electric-vehicle-grants/grant-amounts/


You also dont get the home charge grant of €600 if the company owns the car.
https://www.seai.ie/grants/electric-vehicle-grants/electric-vehicle-home-charger-grant/

"Any private owner who buys an eligible EV in 2018 or later is eligible to apply for this grant."

There is, however, a company ACA scheme for buying an EV and a charge point which will help.
https://www.seai.ie/energy-in-business/accelerated-capital-allowance/


The BIK saving will help and then you can of course write other expenses off against your tax. You'll need a chat with your accountant to work out those figures.

I presume you would also be able to claim the VAT back on the purchase?

davemie wrote: »

From what I heard, the eNiro maybe a better fit as I understand it is a little larger...

Kona is small. Maybe get the family into one in your local dealer just to try it for size. That will answer that question quickly for you. My gut instinct is that it wont suit you, particularly when you stick in car seats/boosters.

slave1

davemie wrote: »

I'm not really pushed about the car to be honest, something that is comfortable, value for money, will fit the three kids and can carry the weekly shop in the boot.

You're talking Leaf, it's very comfortable (do not underestimate the value of the phone app for pre-heating/AC), will take three kids no problem and has a surprisingly large and deep boot.

You can get a L40 as it's readily available, I've read that the eNiro will have a year's waiting list.

Mike9832

slave1 wrote: »

You're talking Leaf, it's very comfortable (do not underestimate the value of the phone app for pre-heating/AC), will take three kids no problem and has a surprisingly large and deep boot.

You can get a L40 as it's readily available, I've read that the eNiro will have a year's waiting list.

L62 will be out soon as well

Much sooner than eNiro

gizmo555

KCross wrote: »

I presume you would also be able to claim the VAT back on the purchase?

In general, you can't claim VAT back on passenger vehicles, including EVs.

But it seems to me the Kona is a "qualifying vehicle" as defined in this Revenue document, and if the car is used for at least 60% business purposes, 20% of the VAT can be reclaimed (which would more or less offset the lower level SEAI grant for businesses).

Water John

Ok, problem with charging Kona. charging fine on the official ESB fitted charger but we also have a Chargemaster but it won't charge on that, whilst the Leaf charges on both? Any ideas?

Goldmark

Anyone know what the dropback stages are when fastcharging (50kW) a 64kW Kona. What level of battery will it charge at full rate until and what does it drop back to as it fills the battery?

onlydave

Goldmark wrote: »

Anyone know what the dropback stages are when fastcharging (50kW) a 64kW Kona. What level of battery will it charge at full rate until and what does it drop back to as it fills the battery?

It drops from ~47kw to ~38kw at around 75%. I always unplug at that point so not sure what happens after that. Bjørn Nyland on youtube has probably done a video on it

denismc

421 Konas registered already this year! Anyone know what the total allocation for 2019 is?

Ryath

denismc wrote: »

421 Konas registered already this year! Anyone know what the total allocation for 2019 is?

I've been in a few Hyundai dealers in the last week everyone of them had 2 registered cars on the forecourts and one 3 most had one in the showroom too. There seems to be plenty on the ground. The Ioniq is scarce alright but there is a few around one dealer had one black in stock said he could get me a white and another dealer said he could get one too. Much preferred the Ioniq on test drive yes the Kona has the power and range but the Ioniq is a much better car.

spakman

denismc wrote: »

421 Konas registered already this year! Anyone know what the total allocation for 2019 is?

electrics only or including ICE?

Old diesel

spakman wrote: »

electrics only or including ICE?

The 421 is the electric Kona for BOTH Jan and Feb

gizmo555

gizmo555 wrote: »

Apparently, the register is updated by ministerial order twice a year. The Hyundai application is underway and the next update is scheduled for March, so it should be there sometime next month.

Kona EV now on SEAI Accelerated Capital Allowance register:

https://triplee.seai.ie/AcaProducts/ProductDetails.aspx?id=84716&h=False

(And it appears to be backdated to 20/12/2018.)

samjames

would buying a secondhand Ioniq EV be a wise move at the moment, there one in England cheap and free VRT but still unsure

Shefwedfan

samjames wrote: »

would buying a secondhand Ioniq EV be a wise move at the moment, there one in England cheap and free VRT but still unsure

Buying second hand is great but you need to confirm will it suit your driving, maybe start a thread with your requirement s

unkel

Watched a Kona fast charge yesterday and I was not impressed at all. Got to the car, it was charging at 9kW on CCS EFACEC triple head charger. I was guessing it was at least 90% SOC because of this speed and knowing the Hyundais knock off at 94% I decided to hang about - had some emails to write, other stuff to do. Half an hour later it was charging at 5kW and the owner came back to the car. He started the car up and it was showing another 26 minutes until it was finished. He said he had been away from the car for an hour. So 20%-94% in 1:30 hours. That's as nearly as bad as a Leaf 40

Is this normal? It was bitterly cold, not sure if that impacted on the times.

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

Watched a Kona fast charge yesterday and I was not impressed at all. Got to the car, it was charging at 9kW on CCS EFACEC triple head charger. I was guessing it was at least 90% SOC because of this speed and knowing the Hyundais knock off at 94% I decided to hang about - had some emails to write, other stuff to do. Half an hour later it was charging at 5kW and the owner came back to the car. He started the car up and it was showing another 26 minutes until it was finished. He said he had been away from the car for an hour. So 20%-94% in 1:30 hours. That's as nearly as bad as a Leaf 40

Is this normal? It was bitterly cold, not sure if that impacted on the times.

Kona does not stop at 94

Mickeroo

Speed sounds about right to me when you consider the size of the battery compared to the ioniq?

Old diesel

unkel wrote: »

Watched a Kona fast charge yesterday and I was not impressed at all. Got to the car, it was charging at 9kW on CCS EFACEC triple head charger. I was guessing it was at least 90% SOC because of this speed and knowing the Hyundais knock off at 94% I decided to hang about - had some emails to write, other stuff to do. Half an hour later it was charging at 5kW and the owner came back to the car. He started the car up and it was showing another 26 minutes until it was finished. He said he had been away from the car for an hour. So 20%-94% in 1:30 hours. That's as nearly as bad as a Leaf 40

Is this normal? It was bitterly cold, not sure if that impacted on the times.

Did owner say he started at 20 percent?????.

Remember that we are talking 20 to 94 percent - which is 47 kwh.

At 45 kw peak thats still over 1 hour minimum.

Tapering is the issue here imo