The electric vehicle market is accelerating at a breakneck pace, with new models, features, and technologies emerging every year. Two of the most prominent EVs today are the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Tesla Model 3. Both offer compelling packages for consumers looking to ditch the gas pump, but they take very different approaches under the hood and behind the screen. In this in-depth analysis, we‘ll examine how these two EVs stack up across a range of cutting-edge digital technologies.
Battery and Powertrain Technology
At the heart of any EV are the battery and electric motor that propel it down the road. The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, with cells supplied by LG Chem. This chemistry provides a good balance of energy density, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness. The pack is liquid-cooled to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prolong lifespan.
The Kona Electric‘s front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor generates 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, all through a single-speed reduction gear transmission. This setup allows for smooth, linear acceleration and efficient power delivery across a wide speed range.
In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 uses a slightly larger 75 kWh battery pack in its Long Range and Performance trims (the Standard Range Plus gets a 50 kWh pack). Tesla designs its batteries in-house using commodity cylindrical cells, which it claims are cheaper and more reliable than pouch or prismatic cells. Recent packs have used advanced silicon anodes and nickel-rich cathodes to boost energy density.
Where Tesla really innovates is in battery packaging and cooling. The Model 3‘s pack is structurally integrated into the chassis, saving weight and enhancing rigidity. Ribbons of coolant snake between the cells to extract heat, allowing for aggressive thermal management during hard driving and DC fast charging.
The Model 3 Long Range and Performance use dual permanent-magnet motors, one on each axle for all-wheel drive. Combined output is 346-450 hp and 376-471 lb-ft, depending on variant. Tesla‘s expertise in motor design and power electronics enables industry-leading efficiency and performance.
Charging Capabilities
Another key consideration for EV buyers is how quickly and conveniently they can recharge. The Hyundai Kona Electric can DC fast charge from 10-80% in as little as 47 minutes on a 100 kW charger, thanks to its 400V system voltage. However, real-world charging speeds may be slower depending on ambient temperature, station output, and battery state of charge.
For Level 2 AC charging at home or work, the Kona Electric has a 7.2 kW onboard charger that can replenish the battery in about 9 hours on a 240V circuit. The charge port is located conveniently on the front grille for head-in parking.
The Tesla Model 3 has the edge in charging speed, with the ability to take advantage of Tesla‘s proprietary Supercharger network. V3 Superchargers can deliver up to 250 kW of power, juicing the Model 3 Long Range from 10-80% in just 20 minutes under ideal conditions. Tesla‘s battery preconditioning feature also helps minimize charging losses in cold weather.
For home charging, the Model 3 has a slightly slower 7.7 kW onboard charger, but Tesla offers a higher-powered Wall Connector that can deliver up to 48 amps for faster charging. The charge port is on the left rear fender, which some may find less convenient than a front port.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Modern EVs are as much software platforms as they are transportation devices, and infotainment is a key battleground. The Hyundai Kona Electric features an 8-inch touchscreen display with split-screen functionality, allowing for multitasking between navigation, audio, and other functions. The graphics are crisp and response times snappy. Hyundai also includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for easy smartphone mirroring.
The Kona Electric has a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity, as well as wireless device charging and natural language voice controls. Over-the-air software updates are not available, so any upgrades or fixes require a trip to the dealer.
Once again, Tesla pushes the technological envelope with the Model 3‘s infotainment setup. The centerpiece is a large 15-inch touchscreen that controls nearly all vehicle functions. The display is razor-sharp, with bright colors and fluid animations. Tesla‘s proprietary UI takes some getting used to, but it offers unparalleled customization and visualization options.
The Model 3 comes standard with premium connectivity, including in-car streaming music, video, and an internet browser. Tesla‘s voice commands are also best-in-class, with natural language processing and tight integration with vehicle controls. Over-the-air updates are a key Tesla advantage, with the ability to add new features and optimize performance remotely.
However, Tesla does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, preferring to keep users in its walled garden ecosystem. This may frustrate customers who prefer those familiar interfaces and app libraries.
Driver Assistance and Autonomous Driving
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and semi-autonomous driving modes are increasingly common on modern EVs. The Hyundai Kona Electric comes standard with a suite of SmartSense safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
These features work well in practice, with smooth, confidence-inspiring interventions. However, the Kona Electric does not offer a hands-free driving mode like GM‘s Super Cruise or Ford‘s BlueCruise. The adaptive cruise control also requires the driver to manually resume after a stop, rather than automatically reengaging.
The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, comes standard with the controversial Autopilot system. This includes traffic-aware cruise control, automatic lane centering, and the ability to change lanes and park autonomously. When engaged, Autopilot can provide a relaxing, hands-on (but not eyes-off) driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
However, Tesla has been criticized for overstating Autopilot‘s capabilities and enabling driver misuse through its hands-off design and Autosteer feature. There have been numerous reports of Autopilot-related crashes, prompting investigations by safety regulators.
Tesla also sells a "Full Self-Driving" package for $10,000, but this is a misnomer as the system still requires driver supervision and has limited operational design domains. Musk has repeatedly promised full autonomy, but industry experts are skeptical given the challenges of real-world edge cases.
Smartphone Integration
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 offer smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control. The Kona Electric‘s MyHyundai app allows users to check battery status, start or schedule charging, preset the cabin temperature, and locate the vehicle. It also provides alerts for maintenance needs and allows for service scheduling.
The Tesla app is more feature-rich, with the ability to summon the car from a parking space, vent the windows, honk the horn, and flash the lights. It also integrates with Tesla‘s Sentry Mode security camera system and Dog Mode cabin overheat protection. The app supports widget integration for quick access to common functions.
However, the Tesla app has been criticized for occasional bugs and server connectivity issues, which can prevent key fob backup access. Tesla has also been slow to adopt the latest smartphone authentication protocols like Ultra-Wideband or digital key sharing.
Regenerative Braking and Energy Management
EVs can convert kinetic energy back into electricity during deceleration, a process known as regenerative braking. The Hyundai Kona Electric offers several levels of regenerative braking strength, selectable via steering wheel paddles. The strongest setting enables one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator provides enough deceleration to bring the car to a stop in most situations.
The Kona Electric also has an intelligent regenerative braking system that automatically adjusts the level based on traffic, speed, and road grade. This can help optimize energy recapture without surprising the driver with sudden changes in brake feel.
The Tesla Model 3 takes a simpler approach, with two regen settings: Standard and Low. Standard provides strong one-pedal driving capability, while Low more closely mimics the coasting feel of a traditional gas car. Tesla does not offer steering wheel paddles or an auto mode, arguing that consistency is key to mastering one-pedal driving.
The Model 3 does have a unique Hold mode that blends the friction brakes with regenerative braking to hold the car stationary on hills. It also has a more aggressive energy-saving strategy, with the ability to limit maximum power output and cabin heating to preserve range.
Innovative Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Differences in battery and powertrain approaches are influenced by Hyundai and Tesla‘s larger manufacturing and supply chain strategies. Hyundai has opted to outsource much of its battery development and production to LG Chem, the world‘s largest EV battery supplier. This allows Hyundai to leverage LG‘s economies of scale and technical expertise, while freeing up capital to invest in other areas of the business.
Hyundai has also been conservative in its choice of battery chemistry and form factor, sticking with proven NMC and pouch cell designs. This reduces technological risk but may limit Hyundai‘s ability to differentiate on performance or cost.
Tesla, by contrast, has vertically integrated its battery supply chain to an unprecedented degree. It jointly operates a massive Gigafactory in Nevada with Panasonic to produce commodity 2170 cells on site. It has also acquired battery companies like Maxwell and Hibar to bring advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities in-house.
Tesla‘s strategic partnership with CATL to develop cobalt-free LFP cells for the Chinese market shows its willingness to experiment with new chemistries and suppliers. Tesla is also investing heavily in its own lithium mining and refining operations to secure raw materials.
On the manufacturing front, Tesla has pushed the boundaries of factory automation and process innovation. Its Fremont plant uses a highly automated assembly line with hundreds of robots and a unique aluminum unibody casting process. This enables Tesla to achieve industry-leading production speeds and quality levels.
Hyundai has been more conservative in its manufacturing approach, relying on tried-and-true processes and incremental improvements. However, it has recently announced plans to invest billions in new EV factories and R&D centers, with the goal of becoming a top-three EV maker by 2025.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
EVs are often touted as a green solution to climate change and air pollution, but their environmental impact depends on a complex web of factors. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 both have significantly lower lifetime carbon footprints than comparable gas cars, but there are important differences to consider.
The Kona Electric‘s battery and motor use rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium, which have been linked to environmental destruction and human rights abuses in their mining and processing. Hyundai has pledged to work with suppliers to improve traceability and responsible sourcing, but progress has been slow.
The Kona Electric‘s battery also has a lower energy density than the Model 3‘s, meaning it requires more raw materials and has a larger physical footprint for the same range. This increases the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing.
Tesla has made sustainability a core part of its brand identity, with Musk often touting the company‘s mission to accelerate the world‘s transition to clean energy. Tesla has invested in renewable energy generation at its factories and Supercharger stations, and plans to power all of its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Tesla‘s batteries are also designed for maximum energy density and longevity, with the goal of enabling "million-mile" EVs that can last for decades with minimal degradation. This reduces the need for frequent battery replacements and recycling.
However, Tesla has faced criticism for its labor practices and supply chain management, particularly in its relationships with cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tesla has pledged to eliminate cobalt from its batteries and improve supplier audits, but challenges remain.
Future Outlook and Implications
The Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 represent two different visions for the future of EVs. Hyundai is taking a more conservative, evolutionary approach, focusing on affordability, practicality, and mainstream appeal. Tesla is pushing the boundaries of performance, technology, and vertical integration, with the goal of disrupting the entire auto industry.
In the near future, advances in battery technology like solid-state electrolytes and silicon anodes could narrow the gap between the Kona Electric and Model 3 in terms of range, charging speed, and cost. Hyundai has partnered with solid-state battery startup Solid Energy Systems to develop cells for future EVs, while Tesla has acquired Maxwell Technologies for its dry electrode expertise.
Bidirectional charging, which allows EVs to power homes and feed energy back into the grid, could also be a game-changer for both models. Hyundai has demonstrated vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities with the Kona Electric in Europe, while Tesla has hinted at future Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications.
As autonomous driving technology matures, the Kona Electric and Model 3‘s ADAS features will likely evolve into more capable hands-off systems. Hyundai has partnered with Aptiv to develop an autonomous driving joint venture called Motional, which aims to commercialize robotaxi services by 2022.
Tesla, meanwhile, continues to collect massive amounts of real-world driving data from its vehicles to train its machine learning models for full self-driving. Musk has promised that true Level 5 autonomy will be achieved by the end of 2021, but many experts remain skeptical given the challenges of edge case scenarios and regulatory hurdles.
Looking further ahead, the rise of shared autonomous mobility could disrupt the very notion of private vehicle ownership. Both Hyundai and Tesla have expressed interest in operating their own autonomous ride-hailing networks, which could shift their business models from selling cars to selling miles.
Hyundai has also been exploring subscription-based EV ownership models and partnerships with mobility startups like Grab and Ola. Tesla has hinted at a future Tesla Network that would allow owners to rent out their cars when not in use, generating passive income and offsetting ownership costs.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Kona Electric vs Tesla Model 3 rivalry reflects the larger forces shaping the future of transportation. As EVs go mainstream, the auto industry must navigate a complex landscape of technological disruption, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory pressures.
Hyundai‘s strategy of offering affordable, practical EVs with familiar form factors and interfaces may be a safer bet for the mass market in the short term. But Tesla‘s all-in approach to electrification, autonomy, and energy services could give it a long-term advantage as the industry undergoes a tectonic shift.
For consumers, the choice between the Kona Electric and Model 3 is not just about picking the best EV, but about aligning with a particular vision of the future. The Kona Electric represents a more gradual, evolutionary path to electrification, while the Model 3 represents a revolutionary leap into a new paradigm of mobility.
As the EV market continues to expand and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these two digital-native vehicles and their respective manufacturers adapt and innovate. Regardless of which path ultimately prevails, one thing is clear: the future of transportation is electric, connected, and autonomous, and the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 are at the forefront of this transformative change.
