Electric Cars (EVs)

Does anyone here own an EV yet?

We have just taken the plunge and bought our first!

A 2020 Hyundai Kona 64kWh Premium SE in metallic red for just 11995 Pounds.

This was the top of the range model when it came out with the longer range battery and all the optional extras. The 64kWh battery range is about 278 miles, which is better than nearly every other can in this size, in our price range, with most only having 45-50kWh batteries and a 180-200 mile range. We wanted a bit more in case we wanted to travel a bit further, but also so it doesn't need charging as often. It's also got the more powerful electric motor with a 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, which is more than enough.

My wife only does about 20 miles most days so it would only need charging once a week. And we have worked out a full charge will cost less than 7 pounds on a home charger (which we now need to buy and get installed).

It is the older shape Kona so not quite as smart looking at the newer one. The front isn't as pretty. But I gave it a test drive and it's really nice to drive and very comfortable. I was also surprised by the level of equipment for a car that is really a lower end EV. As the top of the range model it has full leather with heated and ventilated seats (in the rear too), wireless phone charging, a really good speaker system, heads up display, radar cruise control and auto radar adjusting regen braking, and other things most cars now have such as 360 degree reversing camera and parking sensors, a larger infotainment screen etc. It seemed to have every possible equipment I could think of.

So we are very happy with what is quite a bargain priced purchase. The Kona also gets some very good reviews for reliability and the car itself. The main dealer we bought it from also did a battery health check. The car has 45k miles on the clock and it's still showing 100% battery health. Reviews also show the range it shows is very accurate and you should get what it states, which is unusual.

We just have to wait now to pick it up next week.

I'm now a bit jealous as I still have my older Peugeot 508SW diesel. The car I really want though is the BYD Seal or the KIA EV6. But I was really impressed by the Hyundai.