Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3, Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka-X among others. These are some of the «heavyweights» of the B-segment SUV that the Hyundai Kauai wants to beat with a high interior quality and a differentiated design.
But according to AutoBild, Hyundai still has one more card up its sleeve. Namely a 100% electric Hyundai Kauai.
Hyundai Kauai 100% Electric
Who came forward with the rumor of the arrival of a 100% electric Hyundai Kauai was the German magazine AutoBild, mentioning official sources of the Korean brand.
According to this publication, the 100% electric Kauai will reach the market as early as 2018, as a result of a partnership with LG Chem, which will guarantee the supply of batteries.
The estimated capacity of the batteries is 50 kWh, which should correspond to 500 km of announced autonomy (NEDC cycle) and more than 350 km in real conditions.
As an example, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a battery with “only” 28 kWh of capacity and marginally exceeds 200 km of autonomy. It is also from Ioniq Electric that the eventual Hyundai Kauai Electric will receive its electric motor, a synchronous magnet unit with 120 hp of power and 265 Nm of torque.
Bet on alternative engines
Hyundai is firmly committed to alternative engines. In addition to the three variants of the Hyundai Ioniq – which we've already had the opportunity to test and compare here – Hyundai announced last month a new model with Fuel Cell technology (fuel cells).
If the new Hyundai Kauai EV comes on sale, it could be a strong rival to the new Opel Ampera-e and Nissan LEAF, with an estimated price tag of around 35,000 euros.
