Hyundai Motor’s Kona Electric SUV has made it to the Guinness World Records. The first fully made-in-India electric SUV has driven up to an altitude of 5,731m to Sawula Pass in Tibet, comfortably breaking the previous record of 5,715.28m altitude by any electric car.
Commenting on this achievement, SS Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Under the Emission Impossible Mission, Kona Electric has proved its mettle in the world’s toughest terrains without compromising its performance. It is a tech icon and the new normal as it is the first long-range green SUV with 452km/charge (ARAI Certified) enhancing Indian customer confidence towards Electric mobility. To avoid any range anxiety, customers will be provided with two chargers along with the car – a portable charger and an AC Wall Box Charger. Additionally, in select cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai) a Special Kona Electric fleet fitted with power converter is providing emergency charging support to the customers. For customer convenience, all Hyundai Kona Electric selling dealerships are equipped with 7.2kW AC charger to support customers for Kona Electric Charging.”
Congratulating Hyundai on the feat, Rishi Nath, adjudicator, Guinness World Records, said, “A new precedent has been set for the record as – Highest Altitude reached in an electric car. I would like to congratulate Hyundai Motor India for having achieved this and setting new benchmark in the annals of history.”
During the expedition, the Kona Electric performed in harsh weather conditions like low temperatures, continuous snowfall and icy tarmacs. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ensured its stability in all road conditions. During the entire drive, the Kona was charged (overnight) via the standard portable charger provided along with the vehicle.
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
