Hyundai stops sales of Kona Electric in Korea due to battery fires

There were rumors about the uncertain future of the Hyundai Kona Electric crossover, and now it has become known that it is leaving South Korea, its native market for the automaker. Yonhap, the country’s news agency, said Hyundai would cease producing the Kona Electric for the local market due to vehicle recalls caused by battery fires.

Instead, the company will focus on the Ioniq 5 as its flagship electric vehicle. Battery fires and subsequent reviews quickly turned Kona Electric from a bestseller to a poorly selling model. In the first quarter of 2021, the company reported a 40% drop in sales than last year.

Models of the Kona Electric have been recalled in the United States. However, a Hyundai spokesman told Roadshow that the company currently has no plans to discontinue production and sales in North America.

Hyundai recently unveiled an updated version of the Kona Electric with a new look but identical powertrain, which will soon go on sale in Europe and the US. However, it was not intended for Korea. Production of Kona Electric for the domestic market ended in March, and Hyundai will promote the Ioniq-branded models.