Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-2023) review: running costs & insurance

Once the purchase price is out of the way, the Hyundai Kona Electric should be extremely cost-effective to run – especially as a company car

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Running costs & insurance rating

4.5 out of 5

Insurance groupWarrantyService intervalsAnnual company-car tax cost (20%/40%)
26-275yrs/unlimited miles1yr/10,000 milesFrom £130/£259

Like all electric cars, the Kona Electric will be very cheap to run on an ongoing basis once you've got over the relatively high purchase cost. However, the newer Kia Niro EV makes the Hyundai look a bit expensive if you factor in its generous equipment, new technology and additional practicality.

Still, it’s not as though the Kona is poorly kitted out or requires a lot of options ticking. In fact, the Kona Electric is well equipped at all price points, and there’s not much else you can spend money on – apart from metallic or pearl paint and a funky two-tone roof.

Hyundai Kona Electric insurance group

The SE Connect and Premium versions of the Kona Electric with the 39kWh battery fall into groups 20 and 21 respectively, while the 64kWh battery model (available in either Premium or Ultimate trim) is in group 24, which is pretty reasonable.

Warranty

Some electric cars come with a seven-year warranty, but Hyundai's admirable five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty is still very generous compared to many rivals, which are only covered for three years. The eight-year/125,000-mile battery warranty is an added bonus.

Servicing

We’re waiting to hear details of service costs for the Hyundai Kona Electric, but they should be competitive, with all-inclusive deals available to help with the budgeting.

Road tax

Electric car owners don't have to pay road tax (also known as Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) until 2025. The Kona Electric is also exempt from the London Congestion Charge until 2025 and company-car tax is minimal, standing at just 2% for the forseeable future.

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Most Popular

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing
Volkswagen ID.2all - front
News

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest concept car, previewing its future rival to the Vauxhall Corsa Electric
15 Dec 2023
New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up
Kia Horizon front
News

New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up

New trim level for Kia’s electric cars brings extra kit for around £700 more than the base cars
14 Dec 2023
Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024
Best electric cars header
Best cars

Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024

From SUVs to sports saloons, we run through the best electric cars you can buy right now
11 Dec 2023