No word on how much it will cost in the U.S. yet, though.

Alongside the standard gas-powered Kona, Hyundai will offer a fully electric version of the compact crossover to buyers in the U.S. beginning later in the year. Making its North American debut at the New York Auto, the Kona EV may not look much different from the standard model – apart from some minor visual updates like new wheels and a closed-off front- grille – but underneath the bodywork there’s a surprising amount of electric range available.

Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover returns a respectable 250 miles (402 kilometers) of range on the U.S. scale thanks to a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. That’s a 12-mile improvement over the Chevrolet Bolt EV (238 miles), a 30-mile improvement over the standard (but not yet available) Tesla Model 3 (220 miles), and a significant 99-mile improvement over the new Nissan Leaf (151 miles). Total power output is listed at 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 291 pound-feet (394 Newton-meters) of torque, with DC fast charging standard.

That figure is mostly in line with the European version of the Kona EV. Depending on the trim level, the non-U.S. Kona is good for either 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range on the new Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) with the 39.2-kWh battery pack, or 470 kilometers (292 miles) with the larger 64-kWh battery. American buyers won’t be able to choose between two versions of the electric Kona, but do get the more efficient (and more powerful) of the two.

The Hyundai Kona EV will be available to buyers in the U.S. beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018, with initial availability in California exclusively. Other ZEV-focused states out west and in the northeast will see the small EV shortly thereafter. Hyundai isn't listing a price just yet, but considering the base Kona starts at $19,500, we expect the electric version to be somewhere in the mid to upper $20,000 area.

"Our new Kona Electric crossover is a stylish and efficient compact CUV, tailored to the needs of customers who pursue eco-focused active lifestyles requiring generous range," said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

"We’re confident it will set new standards for the electric-propelled compact CUV segment, with outstanding range flexibility, appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class-leading available safety features."

Of course, like its gas-powered counterpart, the Kona EV will still feature all the same comfort an amenities you’d expect on a vehicle of its size. In the cabin, a fully digital seven-inch instrument cluster is available, as are eight-way power adjustable seats with heating and ventilation functions. Without the charging cable, the trunk in the European Kona EV can can hold up to 13.17 cubic feet (373 liters) of storage, while with the charging cable, that number decreases to 11.17 cubic feet (332 liters).

Gallery: Hyundai Kona Electric - 250 Mile Range, 64-kWh Battery For U.S.

37 Photos

Gallery: Hyundai Kona Electric - 250 Mile Range, 64-kWh Battery For U.S.

37 Photos

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