Tamil Nadu CM flags off Hyundai’s KONA Electric SUV

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday flagged off Hyundai Motor India Limited’s KONA Electric – India’s first fully electric SUV -- in Chennai.
Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam took a ‘test drive’ on the secretariat premises.
At the second edition of the Global Investors’ Meet held in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu government and Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding for the company’s fourth expansion of its unit in SIPCOT complex in Sriperumbudur. The Rs 7,000 crore investment envisaged manufacturing of a lakh electric cars, offering jobs to 500 people, according an official release.
The environment-friendly vehicle has been designed to charge about 80% in 57 minutes and can run for 452km.
“It is a moment of pride to share that the KONA Electric SUV will be made in Tamil Nadu from our state-of-the -art manufacturing plant in Chennai. The KONA Electric is an expression of our commitment to the Indian market and bringing clean mobility solutions in India,” said Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO, S S Kim, in a statement.
The firm has received an “overwhelming customer response” and 120 confirmed bookings within 15 days of its launch.
“Hyundai and Tamil Nadu has created many brilliant moments together and we will continue to work towards the betterment of the state, its people and communities,” Kim added.
To provide fast charging facilities, the company works with Indian Oil Corporation Limited. They will develop infrastructure at select fuel stations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
The e-vehicle will be available with a warranty for three years and unlimited kilometres, along with an eight-year warranty and up to 1.6 lakh km for its high voltage battery.