The manufacturers Kia and Hyundai, belonging to the same group, have discreetly entered the French electric car market. Occasionally the first models have become affordable.
For memory
First of the Korean electric cars introduced in France: Kia Soul EV SUV† It was in 2014. The manufacturer was then very discreet about electromobility. Not exactly publicity or pressure from the brand’s sales advisors, but very positive initial feedback from pioneer users.
This current was powerful enough for journalists familiar with electricity to take a close interest in this model. It was a bit as if the manufacturer had let its engineers have fun with a simple instruction: design an electric vehicle the way you want it.
We then discovered a car that was already very successful, very well equipped and original, but also very efficient for its size. Two years later, Hyundai launched its electric Ioniq sedan which also convinced its users.
It turned out afterwards that the batteries of Korean cars withstand years and tens of thousands of kilometers quite well, and retain a good capacity for a long time.
Kia Soul EV: less than 15,000 euros
With its 27 kWh battery, the Soul EV got a range of 212 km NEDC, than about 250 km using the 30 kWh package in March 2017. On the ground, today it is better to rely on only 140 km in the mixed cycle, except for eco-driving enthusiasts. The top-of-the-line Ultimate brings heated leather seats to the 4 main seats, as well as a Harman Kardon audio system combined with light rings around the front speakers.
The handling of the vehicle is generally very healthy and the machine manages to swallow winding roads on dry ground well. On the other hand, avoid mounting bad tires, which would cause surprising behavior if the road is slippery. Such as the impression of accelerating when the machine no longer finds its grip and the regeneration is suddenly released.
This model is now under 15,000 euros. Before the current price increase in the second-hand EV market was observed, it was possible to find one under 12,000 euros. The must: Soul EV Ultimate 30 kWh with panoramic glass roof. But it is more expensive. Attention : fast charging to CHAdeMO standardis likely to decrease in the coming years.
Hyundai Ioniq: less than 15,000 euros
The Hyundai Ioniq sedan, which appeared on the trendy French market in 2016, inaugurated the range of models available in hybrid, rechargeable hybrid and 100% electric. The latter is immediately recognizable at the front by its full grille. The first users also appreciated the equipment and the exceptional efficiency of this model, which today will not be easy to find second-hand.
Already new in France due to a relatively low number of copies sold. Since SUVs are more popular, the second-hand prices for this sedan have sometimes dropped quite low, flirting with 10,000 euros. Enough to quickly find buyers with galloping fuel prices.
Electric drivers who play the eco-driving card have achieved exceptionally low fuel consumption with the electric Ioniq on a single charge. Even with the first 28 kWh battery, some users still exceed 250 km in the summer and approach 200 km in the winter. As a precaution, calculate at least fifty kilometers less. Pay attention to the set of paddles on the handlebars to quickly adjust the regeneration power and obtain the lowest consumption.
For 2020, the electric Hyundai Ioniq has undergone significant changes, including an energy capacity increased to 38.3 kWh. Hence the possibility of reaching the 300 km of autonomy, and even more in the best conditions. With the new endowment also a more readable and usable 10.2-inch touchscreen.
It is mainly the adaptive cruise control and the lane assistant that the negative opinions pool. Might as well do without, because not very useful.
Kia e-Soul: from 25,000 euros
The Kia e-Soul . will arrive in France in 2019 to replace the Soul EV. If the overall shape of the body is maintained, the new electric SUV will bring significant improvements. And this is especially the case with the battery. There are two options for WLTP ranges in the combined cycle of 277 or 452 km: 39 or 64 kWh, respectively powered by a 100 or 150 kW motor.
With the best configuration it is now possible to travel far and take the highway in a less stressful way. Sobriety remains relevant, provided you practice eco-driving. If you drive at 110 km/h in headwind at all costs, the fuel consumption can be up to 20 kWh/100 km. With the lighter foot it is possible to be comfortable on these roads with no more than 15 kWh/100 km.
The new machine has adopted: fast reloading of CSS and the paddles on the handlebars to play on the regenerative power. It then becomes possible to stop without touching the brake pedal, simply by applying pressure to the left lever until it stops.
The interior darkened with the ubiquity of black. Speech recognition has made a huge leap forward. Which is valuable to indicate a distant destination. For example, the GPS can take you to Esté Brieulque. It is up to you to understand that it is Saint-Brieuc! The driving aids have really improved and serious efforts have been made in the area of traction on slippery roads.
Currently it will be difficult to find a 64 kWh unit for less than 30,000 euros other than with the entry-level version. Although patiently and quickly answering the phone…
Electric Hyundai Kona: from 20,000 euros
With the Kona, Hyundai has continued with its idea of offering a hybrid, PHEV and 100% electric SUV. But then it became clear that the group, together with the Kia brand, wanted to continue offering the competitive Niro, both close and original. The pack/motor couplings (39 kWh/100 kW and 64 kWh/150 kW) can already be found on the e-Soul.
But its more dynamic body and different tires for models made in Europe give this electric car a WLTP combined range of up to 484 km. Again, light-footed users manage to hit that estimate. They are also overwhelmingly pleased with this car, whose biggest weakness is again on the driver aids side.
As with today’s Kia models, Lane Keeping Aid can be dangerous or at the very least worrisome. It is imperative to turn it off when driving on narrow country roads. Otherwise, it tends to steer you into the vehicle ahead when you stop to the right to make crossing easier.
In addition, as with the e-Soul and e-Niro, all settings (regeneration power, driving mode, lane maintenance, etc.) are lost every time the car is used. Therefore, before driving, you should start reproducing it. Imagine having to adjust your driver’s seat every time you use it: just unpleasant in the long run!
For comfort, the atmosphere on board, the ergonomics of the operation, etc. : the electric Hyundai Kona is really a very endearing model. Note that the machine was restyled in early 2021 and it was the subject of a major recall – a priori very well managed – due to the risk of battery fire.
Kia e-Niro: from 25,000 euros
Cousin of the electric Hyundai Kona, the Kia e-Niro has a slightly more generous footprint: 4,375 x 1,805 m, compared to 4,205 x 1,800 m. For a similar height (1.57 m for the Kona versus 1.56 m for the e-Niro), Kia’s electric SUV has a longer wheelbase of 10 cm (2.7 against 2.6 m).
All this means that, if you prefer space on board, such as families and taxi or VTC drivers, the e-Niro will undoubtedly interest you more. For example, the trunk can swallow between 451 and 1,405 liters of luggage, depending on whether you sacrificed the rear seat or not. For comparison: with the Hyundai Kona, the figures drop to 332 and 1,114 liters.
The choice of battery/motor groups is identical: 39 kWh/100 kW and 64 kWh/150 kW. It is difficult to distinguish the 2 trendy Korean cousins except for style and space on board.
Unlike Hyundai, Kia has chosen not to install a heat pump for France. Which many readers criticize. However, during our comparison test in January 2019, at winter temperatureswe found no significant differences in consumption.
The price is perhaps the ultimate argument that will preferably lead you to the electric Kona, which is occasionally available from 20,000 euros. Which will be very difficult for the e-Niro which is rarely seen below 25,000 euros. If the new model lands in a few months, it is possible to consider a price drop for this electric SUV.
