Kia Ray EV

Originally available only for rental or car-sharing purposes until 2019, the Kia Ray EV returns, and this time, it's available to the general public starting at 27,750,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, making this the cheapest Korean electric car you can buy and own today.

2024 Kia Ray EV

2024 Kia Ray EV interior

No strings attached, of course. The Kia Ray EV made its comeback after a four-year absence and unlike the previous one, it's yours to drive and keep if you have the budget to fully own it.

The reborn Kia Ray EV looks just like the recently facelifted Kia Ray, meaning you can still expect the squarish front face with EV9-inspired headlamps, grille-less design, revised rear lamps, and the slightly revised interior with a 10.25-inch color LCD cluster and console-type gear lever as expected but because this is the electric version, you can expect a number of features to differentiate it such as the charging port, exclusive Smoke Blue exterior color, unique 14-inch alloy wheels, and the i-PEDAL mode that can be engaged via paddle shifters.

Micro-business entrepreneurs can have either the two-seater or the single-seater van variants where the rear seats have been deleted for the sake of extra cargo space needed to deliver some balikbayan boxes if you're into that.

2024 Kia Ray EV

The Kia Ray EV's electric powertrain is powered by a 35.2kWh battery pack, making it capable of producing 64.3kW of power output and 147Nm of torque. As for driving range, it's good for 205km in one full charge. As for safety, the Ray EV comes with numerous features such as Rear Collision Prevention Assistance, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention Assist, among many others.

Made for the new normal, the Kia Ray EV is a budget-friendly electric vehicle you can really own and drive with confidence.

Photo: Kia

Kia The New Ray

Since its launch in 2011, Kia's Ray draws inspiration from Japan's kei minivans like the Daihatsu Tanto and while it looks like a kei minivan, it actually is bigger than a kei minivan and it has a litre of an engine that is efficient enough on the long run. You can think of the Ray as the spiritual successor of the old Towner but that would be nonsense because the Ray is not like the old Towner of the past. It's an MPV for Koreans who want to buy an affordable car that can get the job done anytime. Now, with the 2018MY minor change, let's find out what's changed since its arrival six years ago.

2018 Kia Ray

2018 Kia Ray

It would be misleading to call it "The New Ray" because in truth, this is a minor change to Kia's compact minivan sold only to South Korea and they really do mean South Korea-only unless some smugglers from Southeast Asia trying to sneak one of these and then publicly sell it from their shady dealerships that sell smuggled cars.

Anyway, for the 2018 minor change, the Kia Ray has gained some substantial refreshes to keep this Korea-only minivan running for the next couple of years until they call it quits due to the rise of the crossovers. First off, you will notice that the signature tiger nose grille on the front must have set its transparency rating to a half and in fact, they did so any hint of the grille is almost none and what's left to cool the innards is somewhere below. Apart from that, the exterior gained new headlamps, new taillights, new front bumper design, new wheel designs, and new LED lights on the side mirrors. Of course, the Tanto-esque sliding door on the passenger side remains, just so you know.

On the inside, there has been some minimal changes around here like the steering wheel, the shift knob, and the software on the sat-nav so that now, it integrates MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Still, it can accommodate up to five people and can be folded for some added space for the things you're doing now.

Kia was very honest about the fuel efficiency about the 1.0L petrol engine that engine because it has a combined fuel efficiency of 13km/L and while this isn't as fuel efficient as Japan's kei minivans, it's surprisingly brimming with life and because the Ray's so small, it's surprisingly nippy on the corners as well. As for safety, the new Ray gains a wide array of safety tech such as Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Management, Brake Assist System, Hill Assist Control, and six airbags.

The 2018MY Kia Ray starts at 12,100,000 Korean Won (around $13,000 or 610,000 Pesos) and while its a mildly price hike compared to the pre-facelifted Ray, you can still afford one than the Carens or the Carnival, making it a fair start for first-time buyers.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia Ray gets turbocharged

Kia Ray

Kia Motors unveiled a turbocharged version of the box car called Ray, which was launched in South Korea since November 2011.

The Kappa 1.0L Turbo engine equipped on the Ray, now on its 2013 model year, generates aboue 106PS of power and 14.0kg of torque. With CVT and Idle Stop and Go feature equipped, the fuel economy is about 18.6km/L.

Scoop: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1721

South Korea tries out its first electric vehicle

Kia Ray EV

Kia Motors revealed the country's first electric vehicle which was based on the recently launched Kia Ray compact. However, the Kia Ray EV is made for government use so you won't be able to get your hands with this one.

Government agencies in South Korea should consider that the Ray EV is capable of going up to 139km in one full charge. Not quite efficient as the Mitsubishi i MiEV and Nissan LEAF but it comes with a unique navigation system that locates the nearest charging stations.

PRESS RELEASE:

Kia introduces Korea's first production electric vehicle

Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring

EV assembled on same production lines as regular models

Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes

Unique EV navigation system locates closest recharging stations

2,500 units to be produced in 2012 for use by government agencies

(SEOUL) December 22, 2011 – Kia Motors introduced Korea's first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia's 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model's major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor's generous torque – 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) – ensures responsive performance. The EV's acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in 'D' drive. 'E' (or 'eco') mode optimizes the delivery of the motor's torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. 'B' (or 'brake') mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.

Bearing the same striking 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 7-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.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery's cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors' systems.

The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car's battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car. To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry's trend.

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To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard.

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.

Kia Ray EV / Technical Specification

DIMENSIONS

Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm

Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm

Kerb weight 1185 kg

POWERTRAIN

Electric motor 50 kW

Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY

Power 330V Lithium ion polymer

Capacity 16.4 kWh

Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE

0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)

Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)

Max range 139 km (86 miles)

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/new-kia-ray-is-koreas-first-production-ev/

Kia Ray

2012 Kia Ray

2012 Kia Ray interior

Nope, that's not a Daihatsu Tanto and that isn't the Suzuki Palette either. It's not the upcoming Honda NBOX as you see it. What you see is not a kei car but this is a Korean compact car that draws inspiration from kei cars from Japan. This here is called the Kia Ray.

The "RAY" name from Kia was derived from the Kia Ray concept car as seen at Chicago last year but unlike the Ray Concept, which is a plug-in hybrid sedan, this new model has no relation to the concept car as seen in Chicago. This is just a box car that draws inspiration from the Daihatsu Tanto. Think of it as a Daihatsu Tanto with the Tiger Nose on it. Get it? Because the Kia Ray steals the ideas from the Daihatsu Tanto, expect seeing a sliding door on the passenger side but it's pillar-less. There's no need to explain what's what with the pillar-less part of this Kia Ray because this was familiar from the Tanto and the Toyota Isis. What's that thing they called? Oh yeah! It's called PANORAMA OPEN DOOR! Why the Kia Ray featured the PANORAMA OPEN DOOR?!

On the interior, this is somewhat intriguing but a little bit rubbish in design terms. The instrumental panel looks similar to the Citroen DS4 and hey, there's the steering wheel as seen on the Kia Pride/Rio UB or the new Kia Morning/Picanto! Well, don't get a little bit excited about the Ray's interior but for a Ray with full options, you'll get climate control, heated seats, navigation system, and USB connectivity. The Ray can accommodate up to five passengers and the seats can be folded for luggage capacity.

The Kia Ray is powered by the 1.0L gasoline engine that produces 78ps of power, 9.6kg-m of torque, and it has 17km/L of fuel economy while on the Kia Ray Bifuel, which comes with the 1.0L LPG engine that has the same power and torque, can go up to 16.6km/L in Gasoline mode and 13.2km/L in LPG mode. It is mated with a rubbish 4-speed automatic transmission, which sounds lousy but it feels like it's shooting an episode of Bonanza while driving.

The Kia Ray comes in 10 exterior colors; White, Milky Beige, Silver, Titanium Silver, Aqua Mint, Celestial Blue, Aries Blue, Signal Red, Coffee Mocha, and Black.

My comment:
Sold exclusively to the Korean market, the new Kia Ray is the Korean's take on Japanese kei cars, but because this has a body of a kei car with a 1000cc engine on it, it's not classified as a kei car but this is somewhat a big rival to the Suzuki Solio. Still, it's too rubbish to bring it on us, even some direct importers from the Philippines such as Pitstop Motors or HANCARS can't consider bringing the Kia Ray directly to the Philippines. Watch out though, this car may end up handled and looked like a pig. In fact, this new Kia Ray compact van is rubbish, and I do mean rubbish.

Photo: Kia Motors