2019 Hyundai Kona EV

Your mileage may vary. The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV advertises 258 miles of range — better than the Chevy Bolt — but in Michigan's sub-20-degree polar vortex, range dropped by 50 percent.

Who needs a grille? The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV gives off a Tesla Model X vibe by eliminating its grille save for barely seen chicken markings that help disguise the charge port on the left front. The headlights are actually below the running lights.

We're a long way from Hawaii, Toto. The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV gets its best electric range in warm climates.

The $37,000 2019 Hyundai Kona EV is expensive for a small ute, but is a good Metro Detroit commuter car for those who like EV torque, operation, and have a 240-volt charger in their garage.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV swaps out the gas car's tall shifter for transmission buttons in the center console.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV is nicely appointed inside with a configurable instrument display and loads of features, from Adaptive Cruise Control to smartphone app compatibility.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV's range dropped quickly in Detroit's 20-degree weather.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV features a $45K Ultimate model that includes premium features like a retractable heads-up display, leather seats and heated steering wheel.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV is the same size inside as the gas-powered Kona thanks to clever chassis packaging by Hyundai so that the batteries are flat in the car's basement.

In two hours on a 240-volt public charger, the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV gained just 48 miles — which was quickly used up on a 28-mile commute that ate up 2 miles of range for every mile traveled.

EVs only. THe 2019 Hyundai Kona EV nestles next to a pickup for warmth while it recharges in downtown Detroit.

Charging stations are hard to come by in Metro Detroit. The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV (third from right) feeds at the electron teat with other battery-powered cars at QuickPark parking lot near Metro Airport.