Hyundai Motors had tested the range of 3 Kona electric cars at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany. The challenge was simple: with a single battery charge, each car should be able to go further than 1,000 kilometers. The fully-electric subcompact SUVs mastered the test, also known as “hypermiling”, with ease and only stopped without power after exactly 1,018.7, 1,024.1, and 1,026.0 kilometers.

The 3 days of the test, which included 36 drivers recording an average speed of 30 km/h saw each distance represent a record as per the capacity of the 64 kWh battery pack which powers the Kona EV. Power consumption figures of 6.28, 6.25, and 6.24 kWh per 100 km stood below the average of 14.7 kWh per 100 km as is determined by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Keep in mind that these Kona EVs used for the test were factory spec models and unmodified.

To claim this record, the air conditioning, and the infotainment system was switched off while only the daytime running lights were on so as to comply with regulations prevalent in the country. The three Hyundai Kona EVs were fitted with standard low rolling resistance Nexen N Fera SU1 tires of size 215/55R17.

The average speed of the teams after the over-1,000 kilometer distance was between 29 and 31 km/h. Although this may sound slow at first glance, it had to be achieved in typical inner-city traffic conditions, including rush hour and traffic light changes, as well as in the 30 km/h zones of residential areas.