Tesla may not have invented the first electric car, but they did popularize it. The proved that they're both viable and desirable. Yet between the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, they've yet to produce an EV compact crossover, the most popular vehicle type currently in the industry. Now Hyundai is looking to beat them to the punch with the Kona crossover.

Every automaker and their mother is getting in on the EV trend, sure. But they don't have release plans until the mid to late 20s, whereas the Kona Electric plans to hit markets in summer of this year. Right now its only planned for release in the EU, but with the gas version of the vehicle will reach U.S. markets soon, the electric version can't be far behind.

According to Hyundai, they hope to give the Kona Electric a 290 mile per charge range. Utilizing the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Vehicles Test Procedure, the Kona is expected to offer a better range than the Chevrolet Bolt and the short-range Tesla Model 3. It doesn't beat out the long-range Model 3, however.

Pricing for the Hyundai Kona Electric remains unsaid, though we expect further details next month. We assume more will be revealed at the Kona Electric’s debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.