Hyundai Kona Electric Pauses for 2026 Model Year in US

Daily Car

·

06/02/2026

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Hyundai has confirmed a production pause for the U.S. version of the 2026 Kona Electric. The company's most affordable electric vehicle will skip a model year, with production scheduled to resume in June for a 2027 model. This move comes amid shifts in the electric vehicle market.

Analyzing the Production Halt

While Hyundai has not officially cited a specific reason for the hiatus, market indicators point toward slower-than-expected sales. A company spokesperson stated there is an "adequate stock of the 2025 model year Kona Electric to manage consumer demand." This suggests that current inventory at dealerships is sufficient, and producing a 2026 model is not necessary at this time. Sales data reinforces this perspective, with an estimated 3,011 Kona EVs sold in the U.S. last year, representing a 41% decrease compared to the prior year. The pause allows the existing supply to be sold before new models are introduced.

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Current 2025 Model Specifications

For consumers interested in the vehicle, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric remains available in multiple trims. It is offered with two distinct battery and motor configurations. The Standard Range model is equipped with a 48.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles. This version is powered by a 133-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels. The Long Range option features a larger 64.8 kWh battery, increasing the EPA-estimated range to 261 miles and boosting output to a more powerful 201-horsepower motor.

A Broader Industry Adjustment

Hyundai's decision is not an isolated case within the automotive industry. It reflects a wider trend of manufacturers re-evaluating their electric vehicle strategies as market demand evolves. For instance, Volkswagen is also putting its ID. Buzz electric minivan on a one-year hiatus for the 2026 model year. In a similar vein, both Ford and Ram have revised their initial plans for new electric pickup trucks. These adjustments indicate a period of market correction, with automakers working to align their production volumes and product timelines with actual consumer adoption rates.

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The temporary halt of the Kona Electric is a strategic maneuver rather than a permanent discontinuation. It signals a cautious approach being adopted across the industry in response to the current dynamics of the EV market.

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