I am happy to share my experience purchasing a 2020 Hyundai Kona EV. I began shopping for an electric vehicle in the fall of 2019. The first model I looked at and test drove was a BMW I3. I quickly decided this car was too small for my preference. I then looked at a Subaru Crosstrek, although this was a plug-in hybrid, not an EV. I like Subaru’s company image and its philanthropy, so I wanted to give the car a chance, but decided I did not want another hybrid; I had driven Priuses for several years. I then drove a Tesla 3 and decided this was the car I wanted. However, this was going to require an electrician to modify our electrical system and install a wall charging station or else I would have to do all my charging at places other than my home. Even so, I wanted the car, but the deal we agreed on fell apart, and I moved on. I’m glad I did.

I decided to look at a Hyundai Ionic EV, but when I got to the dealership, they did not have one in stock, and the salesman convinced me to check out the Kona EV. Truthfully, I knew nothing about the car, but it turned out to have almost everything I was looking for. I wanted a smallish hatchback; nothing larger than the Prius. I thought the car was very cute and super fun to drive. If you haven’t driven an EV, the acceleration is impressive! I was given a fair trade-in for my 5-year-old Prius. At the time I purchased (December 2019), this car qualified for a $7500 federal tax credit, a rebate of $1500 from California, and a $1000 rebate from Southern California Edison, making the cost quite reasonable.

Charging the car is very simple. I was provided a Level 1 charging cord which can be used with any 120 volt plug. SCE offers a special electricity billing plan that discounts rates between 9:00 pm and 4:00 pm. I usually plug my car in about every other night, which gives me about 60 miles for 12 hours plugged in. The car can get about 260 miles on a full charge. Our electric bill has increased by about $25-$40 a month on average. We do not have solar panels. I have not used paid public charging stations, but my understanding is there are two levels available. A Level 2 station provides 12-25 miles of RPH (range per hour). The fast charging stations can provide 100 or more RPH. On my car, there have been a couple of recalls, but they were quick fixes. There is virtually no maintenance required on the car, other than tire rotations. There are no oil changes. So far, I’m very happy with my purchase.