South Korean automaker Kia has announced plans to reproduce its iconic Ray mini electric car in September. This significant move is part of the company’s efforts to offer mass-market EV models for its local customers.
It is also worth noting that the Ray EV is the country’s first-ever productionised EV model. Therefore, it is also the brand’s maiden EV offering in the local market.
First Kia Ray EV details
In hindsight, Kia initially launched the Ray CUV’s battery-powered counterpart Ray EV in December 2011. However, the automaker phased out the model in 2018 over a lack of charging infrastructure issues and mediocre range.
The mini EV had a 16.4 kWh li-ion battery that enabled a maximum driving range of 86 miles (139 km) between charges. It may be lower than most EVs with more than a 300-mile range, but the Kia Ray EV ensures a superior driving experience for local city trips.
Moreover, it featured a 50 kW electric motor. It has a maximum torque of 167 Nm. It can also accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 15.9 seconds.
The Kia Ray EV also supported fast charging of 25 minutes with 220V chargers.
As for the interior, the mini car boasted the brand’s first specialized navigation system for EVs. It displayed useful charging data for nearby stations.
In addition, the EV also had an instrument cluster that enabled the driver to monitor the following data:
- battery status
- level of battery
- distance to recharge
Revamped model
The new Kia Ray EV will be the brand’s entrant to the country’s electric minicar market. Its range will feature an almost twofold increase from the first production models to 130 miles (210 km).
The mini car’s enhanced driving range is supported by its new 35.2 kWh battery pack. Moreover, its electric motor’s capacity also improved by 30% to 63.3 kW.
“The new Ray EV is set to expand customers’ options with a mileage of more than 200 km, optimized driving performance for the metropolitan center and a spacious interior. Its the best choice for customers waiting for an entry electric minicar.”
Kia (via KED Global)
See Also:
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Kia’s imminent launch of the new Ray EV will undoubtedly boost the country’s minicar market. It will offer customers an additional option as they seek cheaper and smaller EV models.
It is also worth noting that South Korea’s charging infrastructures have improved from the Ray EV’s initial launch. That said, the mini EV can now advance in the domestic market as soon as it launches in September.
