2020 Hyundai Kona Electricity · SK70 WKT

As a pure electric vehicle, the Kona Electric benefits from zero-rated VED (road tax) for vehicles registered before April 2025, no Congestion Charge or ULEZ fees in London, and very low fuel costs — a full charge typically delivers around 250-300 miles of real-world range at a home electricity cost of roughly £6-£9. Insurance generally sits in groups 27-32 depending on trim, so expect premiums in the £450-£700 range for a typical UK driver. Servicing intervals for the Kona Electric are every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and because there is no combustion engine, annual maintenance is markedly cheaper than petrol equivalents — budget around £150-£250 for a routine service including brake fluid and cabin filter changes. Tyres are a notable running cost: a set of EV-specific tyres for the Kona typically costs £500-£700 fitted. Overall, expect annual running costs in the £600-£900 range, well below a comparable petrol or diesel SUV.

Start with the high-voltage battery: request a diagnostic SOH reading — anything above 85% on a 2020 car is reasonable, below 80% would warrant significant negotiation or walking away. Inspect the charging port for damage or debris, and test both AC and DC fast charging if possible, because the CCS port on early Kona Electrics can develop communication faults. Check the headlamp alignment yourself by parking on level ground facing a wall — if the beam cut-off is more than a metre above the bulb centre at 10 metres, the geometry may have been knocked out of adjustment, echoing the 2023 MOT failure. Examine the 12V auxiliary battery under the bonnet; early Kona Electrics suffered premature 12V failures that can trigger warning lights and drivability issues.

Underneath, inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which on an EV often indicates suspension or alignment issues — uneven shoulder wear is particularly common given the Kona's weight. Test all drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and confirm the regen paddles work correctly behind the steering wheel. Inside, verify the infotainment screen responds promptly and that the heated seats, steering wheel, and climate control function — these are common failure points reported on the model. Finally, check the charge port door mechanism and the Type 2 cable latch, as both are known minor weak spots. Given the MOT record shows no brake, suspension, or tyre advisories, there are no specific pre-existing concerns flagged by the test history to chase down.