Kona

Make
Hyundai
Segment
SUV

Just this week, the Kia e-Niro's electric range was downgraded after the Korean automaker discovered a testing error. As a result, the official range was altered from 301 miles to 282 miles in the range-topping 64 kWh model, while the 39.2 kWh was downgraded from 193 miles to 179 miles based on the European WLTP standard.

This left us wondering if the Hyundai Kona Electric will also be affected since it shares the same drivetrain. Sure enough, Hyundai has announced the Kona Electric has had a similar range downgrade as the EV had the same testing error as its Kia sibling.

The official driving range for the Hyundai Kona Electric with the larger 64kWh battery pack is now 279 miles instead of the originally claimed 292 miles, based on the European WLTP cycle.

The entry-level Kona Electric with the 39-kWh battery pack, on the other hand, now has a driving range of 180 miles, instead of the original 186 miles. In the US, however, the Kona Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles, which is more than some of its rivals like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf offer.

"In testing the Kona Electric to establish its homologated electric vehicle driving range, the independent organisation overseeing the process accidentally provided an incorrect testing methodology and then approved the results it generated," Hyundai said in a statement. This led to the Kona Electric being tested for a "disproportionate length of time" on the WLTP 'urban' cycle with lower speeds and a reduced energy requirement. This resulted in an "overestimation of the vehicle's all-electric range."

The testing error was discovered through Hyundai's ongoing homologation process, but the automaker says no other models were affected by this issue. Further investigations are underway as Hyundai hopes to "arrive at a full explanation". There's still no word yet on the Kona Electric's pricing or availability in the US, but Hyundai USA is working hard to meet the strong demand.