Drive comes from a 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor connected to an automatic transmission. With 167 Nm (123 lb/ft) of torque available, zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes a leisurely 15.9 seconds, while the Ray EV’s top speed is 81 mph (130 km/h).
Performance is likely to be less important than range and recharge times to potential users, though. The 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack, which sits beneath the rear seat and cabin floor, is claimed to be good for 86 miles (139 km) before it needs topping up. That process takes six hours using a normal domestic electricity supply, or a much more practical 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.
The battery is claimed to be lighter and offer better energy density than competitor systems. However, its expected lifespan is only ten years, which could see a lot of cars getting scrapped prematurely if the replacement battery pack cost turns out to be prohibitive.
Visually, not much distinguishes the Ray EV from its petrol equivalent. There’s a flap in the front grille for the recharging socket, aerodynamic 14” alloy wheels and some door graphics proclaiming the car’s green credentials. On the inside, the instruments have been changed, and there’s a special navigation system that shows the 500 charging station locations that currently exist across South Korea.
But there’s no point in trying to place an order for one with your local Kia dealer. That’s because for now the Ray EV will only be on sale in South Korea, and all of 2012’s production run of 2,500 units has been allocated to various government and public sector departments.
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