As technology improves and the world trends toward more eco-friendly practices, electric vehicles have seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. Manufacturers have managed to improve charge times and range in electric vehicles, and they have emphasized practicality and style in more recent models. The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is a fantastic electric vehicle that is functional, attractive, and fun to drive. The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV has also struck an excellent balance between charge time and range, and it boasts an affordable starting price. 

Let’s talk more about the 2021 Hyundai Kona in general, how the EV version differs from the regular model, and how the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV balances charge time and range. 

An overview of the 2021 Hyundai Kona

U.S. News ranked the 2021 Hyundai Kona as the best subcompact SUV, beating out other incredible options like the 2021 Mazda CX-30, the 2021 Nissan Kicks, and more. U.S. News gave the 2021 Kona the highest score out of any subcompact SUV because of its steady powertrain, competitive gas mileage, and smooth handling. 

The standard 2021 Hyundai Kona comes equipped with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which may not be quite as powerful as its competitors’ engines. Buyers have the option to upgrade to a 175-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which may better suit their power needs. Its base model gets up to 33 MPG on the highway, and the reviewers at U.S. News were impressed with its handling capabilities on curvy roads.

The interior has a mix of hard plastic and higher-quality materials to give it a sleek look and comfortable feel, though it may not look quite as luxurious as more expensive subcompact SUVs. The standard model comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and a six-speaker sound system. Buyers can add a larger infotainment screen, HD radio, sunroof, and push-button start if they so choose. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona starts at an MSRP of $20,400. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona vs. 2021 Hyundai Kona EV

The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is all-electric, yet it shares many of the same features as its gas-sipping twin. The EV’s motor is a 150-kW electric motor that can produce up to 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Unlike many electric vehicles, the engine feels powerful, and it’s capable of nice acceleration. 

The writers at U.S. News state that if given the choice, they prefer the regular 2021 gas-powered model mostly because the regular version costs about half as much to start as the EV version. The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV also doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive option like the regular version, which may push away some potential customers. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV starts at an MSRP of $37,190. 

Charge time vs. range: a delicate balance

The most obvious qualms people have against electric vehicles is their worries about how long it takes to charge one and the range they can get from each charge. These questions are fair, as it wouldn’t feel like a great investment to purchase an electric vehicle that charges quickly but runs out of juice within a couple of hours or one that might have a further range but charges at a glacial pace. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV does an excellent job of striking a balance between charging time and range. It can fully charge in about nine hours, and its driving range is up to 258 miles. When purchasing a 2021 Hyundai Kona, you get three years of the BlueLink telematics system. This handy feature lets you check your car’s charging status, and you can schedule charging times ahead of time. It even allows you to choose charging times during off-hours so that you get lower electricity rates!