Hyundai Will Produce the Most Affordable Electric SUV After Its Rival Kicks the Bucket
The electric vehicle space is becoming more competitive by the day. Automakers are investing billions of dollars into the production of new electric vehicle nameplates. Instead of just adding new EVs to its portfolio, one American automaker is actually getting rid of two of its electric vehicles. Find out why Hyundai could snatch up more market share when its competitor kicks the bucket here.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is positioned to take this title from Chevy’s EV
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the electrified version of the South Korean automaker’s popular subcompact SUV. The Kona is known for being quirky and fun to drive.
The Hyundai Kona Electric has an affordable starting price, decent driving range, and plenty of standard features. It starts at $33,550. The EV makes 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. It can travel for 258 miles on a full charge. MotorTrend praises its power and handling.
The subcompact electric SUV may have been getting attention before, but the demise of its competitor changes things. According to InsideEVs, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is getting discontinued in 2023. Once it’s discontinued, the Hyundai Kona Electric becomes the most affordable electric SUV on the market.
Why is Chevrolet getting rid of the most affordable electric SUV?
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV has only been on the market for two years. It has already been part of a huge recall despite being available for such a short time. General Motors recalled every Bolt EV and EUV model due to a potential battery fire risk. The recall became one of the largest electric vehicle recalls in history.
Chevy may have redesigned its EVs and given them attractive new starting prices, but is it enough to sway consumers? Despite how drivers receive the electric vehicles, the reliability factor is hard to ignore.
Despite how affordable GM’s subcompact electric SUV may be, many drivers are afraid to get one after its mass recall. Chevy will only produce Ultium-based vehicles after it axes the Bolt EV and EUV. This is likely a move to reinstill confidence in the reliability of GM EVs and cut ties with any vehicles that are deemed unreliable by experts and the general public.
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric vs. 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV starts at $27,800. After the federal electric vehicle tax incentive, its price is closer to $20,300. It makes 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The EV can travel for 247 miles on a full charge.
Car and Driver compliments the electric SUV’s spacious cabin and great tech features. The final configuration is loaded with great creature comforts and technology for the money.
Hyundai’s subcompact electric SUV is more expensive, more powerful, and has more driving range. The greatest difference between the two EVs is reliability. Since the Kona Electric has yet to experience any serious reliability issues, it is better positioned to become popular over time.
Hyundai Motor Company is already winning in the EV space with models like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The death of the Bolt EUV could make the Kona Electric even more popular.
