2021 Hyundai Kona Electric almost sold out in Malaysia, next batch to come soon

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric may be a new model in Malaysia, but it is certainly off to a great start, as the first batch of this electric crossover is almost sold out.

According to sources familiar with the matter, around 70 percent of the initial batch of Kona Electric have been spoken for, even before the launch. We understand that total units in first batch is undisclosed but it's in the high double digits range.

The same source also added that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors' (HSDM) remaining units are expected to be sold out over this weekend.

Also Read: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric launched – Cheapest EV in Malaysia, from RM 149k

The subsequent batch, which will be in a larger quantity, is said to arrive within Q1 2022. The larger quantity, the source added, was to accommodate the strong interest for the model, especially from government agencies and electric vehicle (EV)-related companies.

As a quick refresher, the Hyundai Kona Electric is currently the cheapest EV in Malaysia, with prices starting from just RM 149,888. 

The next cheapest EV is the Nissan Leaf. Prices for the tax-free Nissan Leaf are yet to be announced, but it is estimated at RM 170k. The Leaf's current RM 181,263 price is already zero tax under the Japan-Malaysia FTA, but is still subjected to a 10 percent excise duty.

Also Read: HSDM teases tax-free Hyundai Kona EV for Malaysia - Time for your first EV!

The Kona Electric's prices currently include the tax exemption that was announced in October and deliveries will commence in February 2022. 

Also Read: Budget 2022: Zero tax for BEVs, zero road tax too, with RM 2.5k income tax rebates

The new electric crossover is available across three variants in Malaysia: e-Lite, e-Plus, and e-Max. The Kona e-Lite and e-Plus have a 39.2-kWh battery with an electric motor that makes 136 PS and 395 Nm. Claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time is 9.9 seconds, while top speed is at 155 km/h. Driving range based on the WLTP cycle is rated at 305 km.

As for the e-Max, it gets a larger 64-kWh battery and its electric motor churns out a maximum output of 204 PS and 395 Nm. It does 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and tops out at 167 km/h. Driving range under the WLTP cycle is rated at 484 km.

Also Read: Up to 484 km range; new 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric spied before Malaysian launch