The Hyundai Kona Electric takes everything people like about the compact Kona, from its easy-to-park size to its upright seating, and replaces the gas engine with a quiet, instant-torque electric motor. For drivers whose days revolve around Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mundelein and the Metra station, and who can plug in at home, it can make gas stations and oil changes a thing of the past. At Libertyville Happy Hyundai, 901 S Milwaukee Ave (IL-21) in Libertyville, our team can help you decide whether the Kona Electric fits your driving, your garage and a Lake County winter.
Browse the Kona Electric inventory above, then use the guides below to compare battery options, range and charging.
The Kona Electric shares the gas Kona’s easy-to-park size and its 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (63.7 folded). It slips into tight spots downtown and still swallows a weekend’s worth of groceries.
Hyundai rates the standard-range version at an EPA-estimated 200 miles and long-range versions at up to 261 miles. For most drivers, that covers a week of local commuting on one or two home charges.
Hyundai lists an 11 kW onboard charger for Level 2 home charging and DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, taking about 43 minutes from 10 to 80 percent under ideal conditions. Plug in overnight and leave every morning with a full battery.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is standard, according to Hyundai, so with the adapter (sold separately) the battery can run a laptop, a coffee maker or a string of lights at an Independence Grove picnic or a tailgate.
The Kona Electric lineup has changed recently. The table below shows the trims you may see in new and used inventory, so you can match what is on the lot to the battery and range it carries.
| Trim | Battery | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Standard range (48.6 kWh) | The value-focused Kona Electric and, per trade reports, the trim offered on the returning model; 12.3-inch touchscreen, Hyundai SmartSense | Local commuters and first-time EV owners |
| SEL (earlier model years) | Long range (64.8 kWh) | More range and power plus added comfort features | Drivers who want more range per charge |
| N Line (earlier model years) | Long range (64.8 kWh) | Sporty N Line styling with slightly less range than the SEL | Style-minded EV drivers |
| Limited (earlier model years) | Long range (64.8 kWh) | The most premium features, including a heated steering wheel | Drivers who want every convenience |
Battery size drives almost every number that matters on an EV. Here is how the two Kona Electric batteries compare, according to Hyundai.
| Battery | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA est. range | Level 2 charge (10 to 100 percent) | DC fast charge (10 to 80 percent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard range, 48.6 kWh (SE) | 133 | 188 | 200 miles | About 4 hrs 55 min | About 43 min |
| Long range, 64.8 kWh (SEL, Limited) | 201 | 188 | Up to 261 miles | About 6 hrs 5 min | About 43 min |
| Long range, 64.8 kWh (N Line) | 201 | 188 | 230 miles | About 6 hrs 5 min | About 43 min |
All-electric with no tailpipe, no oil changes and the lowest running costs if you charge at home. Best for drivers with predictable local routes and a garage or driveway.
Same size and cargo space, with an efficient 2.0L or a 190-hp turbo and available HTRAC AWD. Choose it if you cannot charge at home or often drive long distances.
The IONIQ 5 offers more interior room and faster charging hardware, and the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid gives you electric commuting with a gas engine as backup for long trips.
Buying your first EV comes with questions about home charging, winter range and public charging on trips. Our team will give you straight answers, including whether a new or used Kona Electric makes more sense right now. Start with our Hyundai EV hub, schedule a Kona Electric test drive, and review current Hyundai offers and incentives, since EV programs and eligibility change often. Looking for a lightly used example? Browse our used inventory and Hyundai Certified Used vehicles.
New Hyundai vehicles are backed by America’s Best Warranty, including 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited coverage (see Hyundai for full terms, including EV battery coverage). Use Hyundai Blue Link features where equipped, and schedule EV service online with our Hyundai-trained technicians.
Hyundai paused U.S. production for one model year, and trade reports say the Kona Electric is returning in a single SE trim with the standard-range battery. New availability varies, so call our sales team at 224-207-7201 to check new inventory, and browse our used inventory for earlier Kona Electric models, including long-range versions.
Hyundai rates the standard-range battery at an EPA-estimated 200 miles and long-range versions at up to 261 miles, depending on trim. Real-world range will be lower in cold weather and at sustained highway speeds.
Like all EVs, it loses some range in very cold weather, especially on short trips with the heater running. Charging overnight in a garage and warming the cabin while plugged in (using Blue Link remote features where equipped and with an active plan) helps you keep more range for the drive.
Hyundai lists about 4 hours 55 minutes (standard range) to about 6 hours 5 minutes (long range) from 10 to 100 percent on a Level 2 charger, and about 43 minutes from 10 to 80 percent on a DC fast charger. Times vary with charger output, temperature and battery level.
A 240-volt Level 2 home charger is the most convenient way to own a Kona Electric, since it refills the battery overnight. A standard household outlet works too but is much slower, so it suits drivers with short daily commutes.
Choose the Kona Electric if you can charge at home and most of your driving is local; you will skip oil changes and gas stops. Choose the gas Kona if you cannot charge easily, take frequent long road trips or want available all-wheel drive.
EV incentives and federal programs have changed significantly, and Hyundai’s offers vary by month and region. Check our current offers page and ask our team, and confirm any tax-related questions with a tax professional.
Financing and leasing are available across a range of credit situations, and our finance team works with multiple lenders. Approval and terms depend on your credit and the lender, so apply online and we will walk through your options.
Libertyville Happy Hyundai proudly serves drivers from Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Buffalo Grove, Wauconda, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, Highland Park, Deerfield and across Lake County and the North Shore.
Talk through range, charging and availability with our team at 901 S Milwaukee Ave in Libertyville.
901 S Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Sales: 224-207-7201
Service: 224-207-7202
Parts: 224-207-7203
