Hyundai Motor has decided to discontinue the Kona Electric in India, marking the end of its run due to disappointing sales. Introduced globally in 2018, the Kona Electric faced challenges in the Indian market, where its high initial price of ā¹2.53 million (approximately ā¬33,000) and design preferences did not resonate well with consumers. Dealers have been offering discounts of up to ā¹400,000 (about ā¬4,500) this year to clear remaining stock.
The Kona Electric, known for its European-style design and limited rear seat and luggage space, struggled to meet the expectations of Indian customers who prefer more spacious and robust SUV designs. Despite an official range of 452 km, real-world usage often saw the range drop significantly to about 250 km, exacerbated by a sparse charging infrastructure across the country. A battery recall further tarnished its reputation, following a similar issue affecting units in South Korea.
In its place, Hyundai plans to introduce the Creta EV in early 2025, targeting a price below ā¹2 million (around ā¬22,000). Unlike the Kona Electric, which relied on imported kits, the new model will be locally manufactured, part of Hyundai’s strategy to focus on affordable electric vehicles tailored for the Indian market.
According to regulatory filings related to its IPO, Hyundai intends to launch multiple electric models in India, with at least one model expected to be priced around ā¹1.1 million (approximately ā¬12,000), aiming to meet the increasing demand for budget-friendly electric vehicles.
