Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) recently delivered the much-awaited Hyundai Kona Electric to the first 13 customers in Malaysia. Ranging from Kona Electric Lite (e-Lite), Kona Electric Plus (e-Plus) and Kona Electric Max (e-Max), the new electric vehicles (EV) were presented to their owners during a key handover ceremony at the Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) Ara Damansara showroom.

The Kona Electric is an exciting B-segment sports utility vehicle in the EV market in Malaysia due to its price point. The first shipment of slightly over 100 cars was sold out almost as soon as it was first launched in Malaysia in November 2021.

Globally, the Kona Electric has received international recognition for its quality, reliability, safety and long-distance capability.

Also read: HSDM to begin deliveries of Hyundai Kona EV in March, first batch sold out

This includes making it into the Guinness World Records for ‘Highest Altitude Achieved in an Electric Car’ by reaching an altitude of 5,731 meters in Tibet under extreme cold weather and icy conditions; being named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US; and selected as Best Small Family Car in the TopGear Electric Awards in the UK by covering 1,600 kilometres in under 24 hours.

With high-capacity batteries boasting a driving range of up to 305 km in the e-Lite and e-Plus variants, and 484 km in the e-Max variant, the stylish Hyundai Kona Electric supports environmentally-conscious lifestyles, without compromising on driving performance.

Additionally, the Hyundai Kona Electric’s comfortable interior combined with its state-of-the-art SmartSense system, along with advanced connectivity and safety features, ensures an exceptional electric driving experience.

Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia, said, “The growing EV segment continues to hold vast potential in Malaysia as we strive towards decarbonisation within the automotive industry.

We remain focused on supporting EV adoption, further contributing to the Government's Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. On this note, we are pleased to see a very positive response from customers towards the Hyundai Kona Electric, clearly indicating the growing appetite for EV vehicles among Malaysians.”

Also read: Review: Hyundai Kona Electric e-Plus – Is it time to get an EV?

Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, added, “Our EV offerings of both the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 EV have recorded amazing feedback. This indeed reflects the increasing market acceptance by customers and recognition of the vast benefits of EV. We are pleased to hand over the first batch of Kona Electric vehicles to customers, and given the strong take-up rate with bookings coming in fast, we encourage customers to place their orders soon!”

Creating further convenience for the first batch of Kona Electric owners, each customer also received a one-year complimentary ChargEV card. This provides access to over 300 ChargEV stations across the nation for drivers to easily charge their vehicles while on the go. With this widespread charging network coupled with the Kona Electric’s impressive battery capacity, drivers can put away any range anxiety and be assured that they will be well-equipped to go the distance for their entire trip.

Also read: From RM 199.9k, Ioniq 5 SUV launched in Malaysia: up to 430km range, V2L powerbank function, 3 variant

In addition, Kona Electric owners will also be able to ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained, given the highly skilled pool of EV technicians at HSDM, who have undergone world-class service and maintenance training by Hyundai. The EV technicians’ capabilities are further supplemented through additional training provided by TOC Automotive College.

For those interested in experiencing the Kona Electric first-hand, the car is currently available for viewing and test drive at selected outlets nationwide, namely Hyundai Ara Damansara showroom at Sime Darby Motors City as well as at the Hyundai Old Klang Road showroom and Hyundai Citystore Penang. Please visit https://www.hyundai.com.my/showroom/kona-electric/  for more information.