The 2025 Hyundai Kona EV: Gear Shift Operation Guide

The Hyundai Kona Electric represents the latest evolution of the popular all-electric compact SUV, offering increased range, enhanced technology, and refined driving dynamics. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Kona EV is its innovative shift-by-wire gear selection system, which replaces the traditional mechanical shifter with an electronic interface.

Overview of the Shift-by-Wire System

The Hyundai Kona EV uses a sophisticated shift-by-wire system in the center console. Unlike traditional vehicles with mechanical linkages, this electronic system uses buttons and switches to send digital signals to the vehicle’s control modules. The compact design frees up valuable console space while providing intuitive operation.

The primary components of the Kona EV gear shift system include:

• Drive mode button (D) - For forward movement

• Reverse button ® - For backward movement

• Neutral button (N) - To disengage drive power

• Park button (P) - To securely lock the vehicle when stationary

• Drive mode selector - For choosing between different driving modes

• Regenerative braking paddle shifters - Located behind the steering wheel

This electronic system eliminates the mechanical connection between the shifter and transmission, resulting in smoother operation and enhanced reliability with fewer moving parts.

Start the Vehicle and Select Park

Initial Vehicle Start Sequence

When entering the Kona EV for the first time, follow these steps to start the vehicle properly:

1. Ensure you have the smart key fob on your person

2. Press the brake pedal firmly

3. Press the power button located to the right of the steering wheel

4. The instrument cluster will illuminate, and you’ll hear a welcome chime

5. The gear shift display will indicate “P” for Park

6. The “Ready” indicator will appear on the dashboard, signifying the vehicle is operational

Unlike conventional vehicles, there is no engine sound at startup. The illuminated “Ready” indicator confirms that the vehicle is powered on and ready to drive.

Engaging Park Mode

The Park mode electronically locks the drive motor to prevent the vehicle from moving. To engage Park:

• Press the P button located at the top of the shift console

• A blue LED around the P button will illuminate when engaged

• The instrument cluster will display “P”

• The electronic parking brake will automatically engage in most situations

The Kona EV also features an auto-hold function that can automatically engage Park mode when certain conditions are met:

• When the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the driver’s door opens

• When the vehicle is turned off

• If the driver’s seatbelt is unfastened while the vehicle is stationary

This automatic safety feature helps prevent unintended vehicle movement when exiting the vehicle or during an emergency situation.

Driving Forward and Reverse Operations

Drive Mode Engagement

To place the Kona EV in Drive mode for forward motion:

1. Ensure the vehicle is powered on with the “Ready” indicator illuminated

2. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly

3. Press the D button on the shift console

4. The LED around the D button will illuminate blue

5. The instrument cluster will display “D”

6. Release the brake pedal gently to begin moving forward

Once in Drive, the accelerator pedal controls the speed of the vehicle. Remember that electric vehicles deliver instant torque, so gentle pressure on the accelerator is recommended until you become familiar with the responsiveness.

Reverse Operation

To operate the Kona EV in Reverse:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

2. Continue pressing the brake pedal firmly

3. Press the R button on the shift console

4. The LED around the R button will illuminate blue

5. The instrument cluster will display “R”

6. The rearview camera will automatically activate on the center display

7. Release the brake pedal gradually and apply gentle pressure to the accelerator

A distinct audible alert will sound outside the vehicle when in Reverse to alert pedestrians of your movement, as the electric motor itself produces minimal noise.

Neutral and Special Modes

Neutral Mode Function

The Neutral mode disengages the drive motor from the wheels, allowing the vehicle to coast freely. To engage Neutral:

1. While the vehicle is stationary or moving, press the N button

2. The LED around the N button will illuminate blue

3. The instrument cluster will display “N”

Important safety notes about Neutral mode:

• If you exit the vehicle while in Neutral, the system will automatically shift to Park after a set period

• For car wash mode or towing, specific procedures must be followed to maintain Neutral mode

• Unlike conventional vehicles, maintaining Neutral while moving downhill does not conserve energy in an EV

Car Wash Mode and Towing Preparation

To maintain the Kona EV in Neutral for car wash operations:

1. Power on the vehicle to “Ready” status

2. Disengage the electronic parking brake

3. Press the N button to select Neutral

4. Power off the vehicle while holding the brake pedal

5. The instrument cluster will display “Neutral Engaged”

6. You can now release the brake and exit the vehicle

This procedure maintains Neutral mode even after the driver exits the vehicle. To cancel, simply press the P button or power the vehicle off and back on.

Regenerative Braking System Control

Paddle Shifter Operation

One of the most distinctive features of the Kona EV is its regenerative braking system, controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel:

• Left paddle (marked with “-”): Increases regenerative braking level

• Right paddle (marked with “+”): Decreases regenerative braking level

The system offers four levels of regenerative braking (0-3):

• Level 0: Minimal regeneration, similar to coasting in a conventional vehicle

• Level 1: Light regeneration, gentle deceleration when releasing the accelerator

• Level 2: Moderate regeneration, noticeable deceleration

• Level 3: Maximum regeneration, significant deceleration allowing for “one-pedal driving”

The selected level appears on the instrument cluster display. When using Level 3, the vehicle can come to a complete stop without pressing the brake pedal in most conditions, though the brake lights will automatically activate during significant deceleration.

i-PEDAL Mode Activation

The Kona EV features an enhanced one-pedal driving system called i-PEDAL:

1. With the vehicle in Drive, pull and hold the left paddle shifter for more than 1 second

2. The instrument cluster will display “i-PEDAL”

3. The vehicle now enables maximum regenerative braking and one-pedal operation

4. To deactivate, pull and hold the right paddle shifter for more than 1 second

This mode maximizes energy recuperation and simplifies driving in urban environments by allowing complete control with just the accelerator pedal. The brake pedal is only needed for emergency stopping or holding position on steep inclines.

Safety Features and Error Prevention

Shift Interlock System

The Kona EV incorporates a shift interlock system that prevents unsafe gear selections:

• Reverse cannot be engaged while the vehicle is moving forward at speeds above 8 km/h

• Drive cannot be engaged while the vehicle is moving backward at speeds above 8 km/h

• Neutral to Drive or Reverse transitions require the brake pedal to be pressed

• Automatic Park engagement occurs if the driver’s door opens while the vehicle is in Drive or Reverse, but stationary

These safety features help prevent unintentional vehicle movement and potential accidents.

Warning Messages

The instrument cluster may display several warning messages related to the shift system:

• “Shift to P before exiting vehicle” - Appears if you attempt to power off without selecting Park

• “Check surroundings, then try again” - Appears if an unsafe shift is attempted

• “Press brake pedal to change gear” - Reminder that the brake must be pressed for most gear changes

• “Battery low. Maintaining current gear” - Appears if the 12V battery is too low to execute a gear change

If any warning messages persist or the gear selector fails to respond, safely bring the vehicle to a stop, select Park if possible, and contact Hyundai roadside assistance.

Five Kona EV Gear Shift Facts

1. The shift-by-wire system weighs approximately 70% less than a traditional mechanical shifter assembly, contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency and range.

2. The electronic gear selector in the Kona EV has undergone over 300,000 cycles of durability testing, equivalent to more than 15 years of typical usage.

3. In i-PEDAL mode, the Kona EV automatically activates the brake lights when regenerative braking exceeds 0.3g of deceleration, even without pressing the brake pedal.

4. The gear shift buttons feature haptic feedback that provides a subtle physical click, mimicking the tactile feedback of a traditional shifter.

5. If the 12V auxiliary battery is depleted, the Kona EV uses an emergency gear release to shift out of Park for towing or emergency movement.

What happens if I press the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously in the Kona EV?

• The safety system will detect this dual input and prioritize the brake pedal, cutting power to the drive motor. The instrument cluster will display a warning message stating “Press brake and accelerator pedals one at a time” to alert you to this potentially dangerous action.

Can I shift directly from Drive to Reverse while the vehicle is moving?

• No, the shift-by-wire system prevents direct shifts from Drive to Reverse when the vehicle is moving above approximately 8 km/h. You must first bring the vehicle to a complete or near-complete stop before the system will allow a shift to Reverse.

How do I activate the Auto Hold function with the electronic shifter?

• The Auto Hold function is activated independently from the gear selector. With the vehicle in Ready mode, press the brake pedal firmly, then press the Auto Hold button located near the electronic parking brake switch. The Auto Hold indicator will illuminate white and turn green when actively holding the vehicle.

What happens if the battery is critically low while driving?

• When the high-voltage battery reaches a critically low level, the Kona EV automatically reduces power output and limits the maximum speed. The system maintains the current gear, but once you stop and shift to Park, you cannot select Drive again until you recharge the battery.

Is it possible to “jump-start” the Kona EV 12V battery if it dies?

• Yes, the 12V battery can be jump-started similarly to conventional vehicles, using the designated jump-start terminals under the hood. However, this will only power the vehicle’s accessories and allow the gear shift to operate – it won’t charge the main high-voltage battery or allow driving if the main battery is depleted.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*