Kia introduces Korea's first electric car

(December 23, 2011) Kia Motors has introduced Korea's first electric vehicle with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV — a "city car" with an 86-mile range between charges.

The Ray won't make it to the U.S. This is a car only for South Korea, a clone of another small Kia model that's powered by a tiny 1-liter gas engine with the same name.



Although the Ray EV weighs about 400 pounds more, it outperforms the gasoline model in acceleration, although at zero to 60 miles per hour in 15 seconds is the ultimate definition of relaxed performance. Top speed is about 130 mph. Recharging times are six hours using a 220-volt household current and 25 minutes in fast-charge mode. The batteries are designed to last 10 years.

The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes. There is regular drive or the eco mode, which is aimed at getting the most out of the batteries.

Bearing the same exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV’ message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag.

Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a seven-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. 

The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.