Kia has started pre-orders for the Ray EV.
The Ray EV incorporates eye-catching design elements such as 14-inch alloy wheels and a clean front center garnish with a hexagonal charging port, based on the Ray’s design.
The interior enhances its futuristic image with a 10.25-inch Supervision cluster and a column-type electronic shift lever integrated with the start button. The center fascia, which housed the start button and shift lever, has been redesigned to feature horizontal climate control switches, a display, and storage space.
The Ray EV is available in six exterior colors, including a new color called Smoke Blue, and two interior color options: Light Grey and Black.
Equipped with a 35.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the Ray EV boasts improved aerodynamics through a front under cover, achieving a range of 205km combined and 233km in urban settings on a single charge, with a combined efficiency of 5.1km/kWh based on 14-inch tires.
With a 150kW fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes; alternatively, using a 7kW slow charger, it takes 6 hours to charge from 10% to 100%. (※ Charging times may vary depending on battery and external temperatures)
The driving motor of the Ray EV produces a maximum output of 64.3kW (approximately 87ps) and a peak torque of 147Nm.
Compared to the gasoline model, which has a maximum output of 76hp (approximately 55.9kW) and a maximum torque of 9.7kgf·m (approximately 95.1Nm), the Ray EV offers increases of about 15% in output and 55% in torque, ensuring superior acceleration and stable driving performance, along with a quieter ride thanks to EV-specific low-noise tires.
Additionally, it is the first compact vehicle in Korea to feature an electronic brake and electronic parking brake, providing a natural and smooth braking feel while enhancing parking convenience. Positioned as an entry-level EV for urban areas, the Ray EV features an ‘Auto Hold’ function that is particularly useful in congested city driving and specialized regenerative braking tailored for electric vehicles, optimizing braking performance for urban conditions.
Kia has also equipped the Ray EV with a ‘full flat’ feature that allows all seats to fold down, along with a dedicated ‘Utility Mode’ for electric vehicles. This lets users operate air conditioning, audio systems, and other electric devices for extended periods when the vehicle is not in motion, making it versatile for various situations like work and relaxation before or after driving.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane keeping assist and blind spot collision prevention assist, have been implemented to enhance the safety of the customers.
The prices for the Ray EV trims are as follows: 4-seater passenger ▲Light 27,750,000 KRW, ▲Air 29,550,000 KRW; 2-seater van ▲Light 27,450,000 KRW, ▲Air 27,950,000 KRW; 1-seater van ▲Light 27,350,000 KRW, ▲Air 27,800,000 KRW.
Meanwhile, Kia is preparing various programs to reduce the financial burden on Ray EV customers.
Kia offers a similar level of warranty for the high-voltage battery and driving motor components specific to electric vehicles, providing a 10-year/200,000 km warranty for first-time individual buyers and a 10-year/160,000 km warranty for other customers.
Additionally, individual customers, small business owners, and general corporate customers who receive their Ray EV in September or October will be given discount coupons for the emergency slow-charging cable (220V ICCB) sold at Kia’s Car & Life Mall.
A Kia representative stated, “The Ray EV is expected to act as a catalyst to further accelerate the electrification trend as an entry-level EV optimized for urban driving at a reasonable price point. Kia plans to complete the fastest electrification lineup by vehicle category in the domestic electric vehicle market, including the Ray EV, Niro Plus, Niro EV, EV6, and EV9, to provide more options for customers.”
Contact: 이상진 daedusj@autodiary.kr