Hyundai Claims Kona EV Demand Has Already Outstripped Production Capacity

Although it just sold its first example of the Kona Electric in the U.S., it seems Hyundai has a hit on its hands. And it’s little wonder, seeing as the all-electric crossover tops our list of range-per-purchase-dollar and has been edging out competitors like the Chevy Bolt in road tests. This is, of course, a great thing for the company, but it also creates some problems for some prospective buyers: they aren’t available for purchase from their local dealers in most of the country.

Initially, the plan was to begin initial sales in California and expand to the so-called ZEV states. In their words:

“2019 Kona Electric models will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be available in the beginning of 2019, with initial availability in California and subsequently in the ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.”

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atc98092 - 2/22/2019 1:32:40 PM

+3 Boost

This or the Kia Niro EV are the first "affordable" EVs with the features that I would want. They have enough range for my desired retirement vehicle, and enough bells and whistles to make me happy. Since I'm sure they won't be available in my market for a couple of years, there will likely be others on the market in this range as well. The VW ID models also look interesting.

Of course, Oregon may get them faster than Washington, and they would have enough range to actually make it home from a Portland dealer. So I may not have to wait until they actually show up in the Seattle area.

Moo1 - 2/22/2019 5:13:16 PM

-1 Boost

and I claim I am Superman..... w/e not in the mood for the bs hype train today

MDarringer - 2/22/2019 10:15:21 PM

-2 Boost

It's nice looking and Hyundai delivers a reliable, quality product. A definite win.

josh98 - 2/23/2019 12:46:42 AM

+4 Boost

I have thinking of buying a Hyundai. But every time I google Hyundai, i see all these articles about Hyundais catching on fire or people complaining about Hyundai dealers not honoring their warranties. It's kind of scary.

SanJoseDriver - 2/23/2019 2:01:54 AM

+1 Boost

This is dramatically more viable than the Bolt. It looks nice, range is great, price is very affordable. Kia has the Niro and the Soul EVs coming as well... all solid options.

runninglogan1 - 2/23/2019 6:53:18 AM

+2 Boost

I don't know if it's dramatically more viable than a Bolt but definitely a solid option.

carloslassiter - 2/23/2019 7:25:04 AM

+1 Boost

"It looks nice"
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I think it looks like crap, with a front end that is even worse than that new Chevy pickup.

MDarringer - 2/23/2019 7:55:27 AM

+1 Boost

That's OK though because in real life I'm sexy and you're not.

SanJoseDriver - 2/24/2019 11:56:43 PM

+2 Boost

Well, pull up a photo of the front of a Bolt and compare side by side.

carloslassiter - 2/23/2019 8:46:12 AM

+1 Boost

Nothing says sexy like a guy selling Kias.

MDarringer - 2/23/2019 9:29:15 AM

0 Boost

Indeed because that makes him NOT overcompensatory. But thanks for taking the bait so mindlessly.

skytop - 2/24/2019 3:40:08 PM

0 Boost

The Hyundai is outselling the Chevy Bolt.

mini22 - 2/25/2019 1:28:44 PM

+2 Boost

I know people are buying them in droves but I would sacrifice some go power of a Tesla Model 3 for the better reliability of a Kona or Niro EV. Both also are more attractive them a Model 3.