- Speculation has been made that the revived Kia Ray EV could secure a place on South Korea’s top 10 best-selling cars list, a testament to its enduring appeal.
- The new Ray EV caters to those seeking an affordable entry into the electric minicar segment.
Kia Motors Corporation is set to rekindle its pioneering electric vehicle (EV), the Ray EV. As the call for economical electric mobility grows louder, Kia is gearing up to launch the revamped Ray EV next month, targeting the burgeoning market for budget-friendly electric vehicles.
Ray EV is positioned as Korea’s inaugural all-electric production car back in December 2011, as close kin to the conventional gas-powered Ray CUV. It stood out as South Korea’s first 100% electric production vehicle. With a 50 kW electric motor under its hood and a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, the original Ray EV could achieve a respectable range of up to 86 miles (139 km) on a single charge. While this range might appear modest by today’s standards, where numerous EVs effortlessly surpass the 300-mile mark, the compact dimensions of the Ray EV were expressly designed to excel in urban environments.
A spokesperson from Kia said in an interview, ‘’, “It’s the best choice for customers waiting for an entry electric minicar.’’
The mini EV outperformed expectations with a striking 77% increase in torque compared to its gasoline counterpart, which helps in fast acceleration, with the 0 to 62 mph sprint taking just 15.9 seconds. It can also achieve an 80% charge in just 25 minutes and has a novel EV-specific navigation system to locate nearby charging stations. The instrument cluster presented essential information such as battery status, charge level, and estimated recharge distance. This enhanced range owes its thanks to a revamped 63.3 kW electric motor, showcasing a 30% improvement, and a 35.2 kWh battery, nearly doubling the cell capacity.
However, it’s worth noting that this reincarnated electric marvel will initially be exclusively available within Kia’s domestic market in South Korea. Industry insiders are speculating that, for the first time since its introduction in 2011, the Kia Ray EV is poised to secure a place in South Korea’s top 10 best-selling cars list—a testament to the unwavering appeal of this pioneering electric vehicle.
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