Comparing the 2020 Kia e-Niro and 2021 Hyundai Kona electric cars

In recent years, electric vehicles have become an integral part of the automotive industry, offering an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solution. According to statistics, these vehicles produce 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional cars. They convert most of their energy into motion, are quiet to drive, and are easy to handle. But even so, electric cars cannot completely replace average European cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). That said, according to a study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, by 2040, electric vehicles could account for one-third of the global market.

For now, two Korean brands stand out in particular: the 2020 Kia e-Niro and the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Let’s take a look at how they differ.

Types of Electric Vehicles

There are only two types of electric vehicles on the market today:

Battery-powered. These vehicles are equipped with a high-capacity battery that is charged from external power sources. The battery provides a range of up to 480 km. Some models feature an additional gasoline engine that functions as a generator. The engine produces electricity to charge the vehicle, which is especially useful when there is no access to a charging station.
Fuel-cell. Electric vehicles run on a hydrogen fuel cell that acts as the engine. These vehicles are equipped with one or more small-capacity batteries, which are needed for emergencies. Since liquid hydrogen is used to refuel the generator, a special compartment is provided in the vehicle body. Fuel-cell electric cars are known for their smooth and quiet ride and substantial range—500–600 km on a full tank.

The drawback of the first type is that the gasoline engine is not connected to the wheels: it cannot be used to power the vehicle. The second type also has a downside: the necessary fuel is not available at all gas stations. According to forecasts, liquid hydrogen will not become widely available at dedicated refueling stations until 2030. For now, electric vehicle manufacturers themselves provide the necessary fuel supply.

Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Appearance and Design

The differences between electric cars and conventional cars with internal combustion engines are significant. In addition to environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, the differences lie in design features, technical specifications, and driving characteristics.

The main difference between an electric vehicle and a conventional car is the absence of an internal combustion engine and a transmission. Instead, these vehicles are equipped with a motor and a special battery that can be charged from:

the power grid;
a solar panel;
a charging station.

The battery is located inside the vehicle; this is necessary to prevent fires caused by mechanical damage. For example, in the Hyundai Kona, the large batteries are hidden beneath the body. As a result, the design has become safer, sturdier, and more reliable. In addition, thanks to the battery’s considerable weight (450 kg), the center of gravity has been lowered. This improves maneuverability and handling.

The Kia e-Niro is a full-fledged electric car that runs exclusively on electric power. The vehicle features a sturdy structure, which gives the driver confidence even when making sharp turns. Thanks to a special power steering system, steering the Kia e-Niro is as easy and comfortable as possible. The car brakes much faster than a conventional vehicle, thanks to the unique process of converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Externally, the Hyundai Kona and Kia e-Niro are almost indistinguishable from conventional cars. Moreover, they look similar, even though they are produced by two different brands. But there are still differences:

Kia. It features the classic body style of a gasoline-powered crossover. The interior is spacious, stylish, and modern. The comfortable seats are trimmed with bluish stripes that only enhance the futuristic design. The exterior features angular lines that emphasize the dynamic nature of the overall design. The wheels (17 inches) are made of aluminum alloy with a diamond-cut finish and a two-tone design.
Hyundai. It is equipped with lightweight alloy wheels (16- and 17-inch), typical for electric cars. The Korean crossover features a highly functional interior: the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split. However, interior space is still limited. The cabin is equipped with two large multimedia screens and a digital instrument cluster. The exterior has an aggressive, stylish, and dynamic look.

A common feature of both models is the absence of a radiator grille with cooling vents, since the generator and battery generate almost no heat.

Kia Niro EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Technical Specifications

Both models have similar specifications, as the electric vehicles are built on the same platform. The differences lie only in a few details. For example, Hyundai equipped its electric car with an LG Chem battery, while Kia used one from SK Innovation. The battery capacity is also identical: 64 kWh.

Range is considered a key characteristic of any electric vehicle—that is, the distance in kilometers the vehicle can travel on a single battery charge. The longer the range, the better, since electric vehicles take quite a long time to recharge. Hyundai and Kia differ slightly in this regard. The claimed range for the Kona is 500 km, while that for the e-Niro is 380 km. However, according to tests, the Kia’s actual range turned out to be 19% higher than stated.

It’s also worth considering energy consumption:

Kia – 22.8 kWh per 100 km;
Hyundai – 23.4 kWh per 100 km.

The models can accelerate to 167 km/h in 7.6–7.9 seconds. Power output depends on the vehicle’s trim level but averages 200 l. s.

Kia e-Niro vs. Hyundai Kona Electric: Price

Since the models are very similar, choosing between them is quite difficult. The cars have virtually identical technical specifications and design, and cost almost the same.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to officially purchase the latest Kia and Hyundai models in our country. This is because many companies currently have no plans to expand electric vehicle sales in Ukraine. Therefore, the only way to get the car you want is to order it from the U.S. or China.

If you’d like to buy one of these Korean electric cars, we recommend looking into used cars from North America or new ones from China. The price of the base model Kia ranges from $34,000 to $38,000. A Hyundai will cost you about the same—$34,000–$39,000. Our company can help you easily order a new electric car with a warranty starting at $24,000.

Looking for a car? We will select and deliver it to your request: Kia cars, Hyundai cars, car selection service.

FAQ

We understand your concerns and strive to provide you with the utmost comfort and confidence in the car buying process. For your peace of mind, we provide the following guarantees and measures. Our managers conduct over 8 steps of a thorough vehicle inspection. This includes a video report prior to purchase. This will allow you to find out whether the car was a party to an accident, the number of owners, its service history, the reliability of the seller, etc. All data about the car is provided to the client and, only after its approval, the manager proceeds to the bidding process.

For you, we are ready to make buying a car abroad easy and reliable. We offer you a full range of services, including car selection, paperwork, transportation and customs clearance. Choose the best among new and used cars with our help. We can also help you to restore and repair the imported car.

You save an average of $5,000 or more. Exclusive models and configurations. Transparent history of car operation. With our help you get the car of your dreams in the shortest possible time and with maximum benefit.

We conclude a contract with you, in which all the terms, conditions, deadlines, milestones and payments are spelled out. After signing the contract, the conditions do not change. We inform you about each stage of transportation of your car, provide video reports. All payments are made in stages and sent to the settlement account specified in the contract.

After finding your wishes, the manager sends you several options for the car you applied for in messengers. Before starting cooperation, we sign an agreement with you on the selection of a car and ask you to make a reverse advance payment in national currency equivalent to $ 500. After clarifying and checking the car chosen by the client, we reserve it and buy it in Korea.

After signing the contract for the selection of a car, our company asks you to make a refundable advance payment of $500, which is returned in full before the car is booked. Why is it needed? The Korean market is in great demand not only in Ukraine, but also throughout the world. The best cars are very quickly "taken apart" from sites and auctions. An advance payment is necessary in order to book a car in a timely manner and get the best offer.

For now, Ukrainian ports do not accept cargo, so all our clients' vehicles arrive at the port of Constantia (Romania). Bypassing delays in queues at the border, your vehicle will arrive quickly and without delays.

Car delivery consists of the following components: preparation of export documents and booking a place on a ship (from 2 weeks), land transportation of the car across Korea to the port of departure (up to 3 days), transportation by sea to a European port (from 60 days), delivery from a European port to Ukraine (up to 10 days). In total, delivery takes from 2.5 months.

Yes, it is possible. For example, OTP Bank is ready to provide a loan for the purchase of a car even to clients without official employment - an amount of up to UAH 300,000 can be approved without a certificate of income. The bank considers alternative sources of income and the borrower's credit history. In other cases, if you have an official salary card (especially in PrivatBank), you often do not need to confirm your income - the bank already sees the receipt. In any case, Bex Auto will help you collect the optimal package of documents or get by with a minimum number of them.

As a rule, the decision is made very quickly. Our partners have made the process as efficient as possible: PrivatBank pre-approves the loan a few minutes after submitting the application - you will find out the result almost instantly. OTP Bank in most cases issues the final decision and transfers the money within one day. In general, buying a car on credit through Bex Auto usually takes 1-2 days, including choosing a car, submitting an application and signing the contract.

The conditions vary depending on the bank and the program. OTP Bank does not have a CASCO requirement at all - you save on insurance, the bank does not oblige to insure the collateral, since the loan is actually unsecured. At PrivatBank, CASCO is required as standard for new cars, but with a down payment of 20-30%, insurance is not a mandatory condition (although the bank itself advises to insure the car voluntarily). Oschadbank always requires full CASCO, since it lends new cars with collateral. Thus, the presence of mandatory CASCO depends on the selected program: if you want to avoid insurance costs, consider options with a high down payment or a loan from OTP Bank.

Yes, you can repay your car loan early at any time without any penalties. All Bex Auto partner banks – OTP, Privat and Oschad – do not charge fees for early repayment. If you have the opportunity to repay the remaining loan early (partially or in full), do so without hesitation: the overpayment will be transferred only for the actual term of use of the borrowed funds. No penalties or hidden conditions – you save on interest by repaying the debt early.

Yes, of course. Bex Auto helps you buy a used car on credit as successfully as a new one. In particular, our partner OTP Bank specializes in used car loans - there are no restrictions on the brand, year of manufacture or mileage of the car. Moreover, no collateral or CASCO is required for such transactions, which distinguishes OTP's offer from classic car loans. You can choose a car at a car lot, a car dealership or even from a private seller - the bank will give you money to buy it. We also accompany the execution of the purchase and sale transaction and registration of the car in your name. If you want to import a car from abroad, we will offer a special program for a grace period (the first months without interest) - this allows you to calmly wait for your car and not pay extra.

The South Korean market is very full of diesel cars. The most popular cars among our clients are: Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Renaut (Samsung) Koleos (QM6), Hyundai Palisade, KIA Carnival, KIA Sorento, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi A6, Audi Q7, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90. Our manager will select the best car option for you according to your wishes.

The most popular electric cars from Korea among our clients are: Hyundai Ioniq 5, KIA EV6, Hyundai Kona, KIA Niro, Hyundai Ioniq 6, KIA EV9, Chevrolet Bolt. Also, the Korean sites are full of imported cars, such as Mercedes EQC, BMW IX, Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model S and others. The biggest advantage of electric cars from Korea is that the charging ports are identical to European ones, so you can quickly charge the car in any situation without any adapters.

Yes, indeed, official dealers have a wide range of Korean cars on the Ukrainian market, but they differ from Korean ones. For example, in Korea, the trim levels are very "rich". For the price that you will buy the maximum trim level from the official dealers, in Korea it will be the basic one. And the fact that in the Korean top trim level it is impossible to even imagine... Engine modifications, for example, Hyundai Tucson in Ukraine is offered only with a 2.0 l petrol engine, or a 1.6 l hybrid, where in Korea you can choose: 1.6 turbo petrol, 2.0 diesel, 1.6 hybrid. Also in Korea, there are many cars that have factory LPG, which is very economical to operate.

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