Hyundai has slashed the waiting time of its zero-emission electric car in response to a growing demand from UK customers – as the government brings forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
The car firm had to take its Kona Electric off sale last year as it sold out of its allocation by March.
But they have now tripled availability by starting production of the electric car at its plant in the Czech Republic while increasing supply from its facility in South Korea.
The estimated waiting time for a Kona Electric is now between three and four months – down from one year.
It follows growing sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK – and the government today (Tues) said it will now bring forward the ban on selling new petrol, diesel or hybrid cars from 2040 to 2035.
Boris Johnson made the announcement at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where he added 2020 would be a “defining year of climate action” – a comment welcomed by Sir David Attenborough.
Ashley Andrew, managing director, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The Hyundai Kona Electric has achieved outstanding success in the UK since its introduction, so much so that we have committed to significantly ramp up availability – a move that we hope will encourage more people to consider a fully electric car.
“Whilst demand for electric cars is increasing though, much more needs to be done if the UK is to realize the government’s vision for 2035 and we must be careful not to undermine the benefits of hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology as a route to cleaner motoring in the short term.”
Hyundai already offers the broadest range of electrified powertrains in the market offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and fuel cell electric models and by the end of this year over 75% of its model range will be electrified offering consumers greater choice.
It claims an official range of up to 278 miles and topped What Car magazine’s ‘Real Range’ test for electric vehicles, achieving the longest driving range of any electric car tested.
Hyundai also offers the Ioniq electric car in the UK, with both the Ioniq and Kona also available as hybrids.
NEXO is the manufacturer’s flagship zero-emission hydrogen vehicle. It can be filled up in around five minutes and has a range of 414 miles. The only thing it emits is clean air and water.
