Hyundai Kona Electric now cheaper by Rs 1.58 lakh!

• Hyundai rolls out benefits of reduced GST rates on electric vehicles.

• Kona Electric cheaper by over Rs 1.5 lakh as expected.

• Further savings and benefits as proposed in 2019 budget could make it even more affordable.

• Electric SUV has ARAI claimed range of over 450km from 39.2kWh battery pack.

• Expected rival, the MG eZS, to be priced similarly, if not lower.

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the first long-range EV to be launched in India and it now becomes cheaper too thanks to the new, reduced GST on electric cars. Introduced as a CKD, the Kona Electric now costs Rs 23.72 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India) as compared to the launch price of Rs 25.30 lakh.

Even though its size positions it between the Venue and the Creta, most of the Kona’s premium is for its all-electric drivetrain. Offered in India with the 39.2kWh battery pack, the Hyundai electric SUV has an ARAI claimed range of 452km. The 100kW electric motor drives the front wheels and produces 136PS of power and 395Nm of torque.

The Kona’s battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in just under an hour using a 50kW DC fast charger that will be available at select Hyundai dealerships and Indian Oil Corporation stations). The regular wall-mounted 7.2kW charge box will take a little over 6 hours for a full charge. To know more about the charging services, head here.

Hyundai is currently offering the Kona Electric in a single variant in just 11 cities across India, and you can find out where to get one here. It is well-equipped with features such as ventilated front seats, LED headlamps and taillights, 17-inch alloys, electric sunroof, HUD, touchscreen infotainment system, leather upholstery and more.

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While it doesn’t have any direct rivals as of now, the MG eZS electric SUV is scheduled to launch in India near the end of 2019 and is likely to be similarly priced as well. There are other savings to be made from the purchase of an electric car as proposed by the government which you can read about in detail here. Also read: Battle Of the EVs: Hyundai Kona Electric vs MG eZS

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.