Kia has introduced an electric version of the Ray city car for the Korean market. It trades 1.0-litre petrol power for a 67bhp electric motor.
Acceleration is said to be superior to the internal combustion version thanks to 123lb.ft of torque. A 0-62mph time of 15.9 seconds is quoted as well as an 81mph top speed. Range from the lithium-ion polymer battery pack is 86 miles and with fast charging this can be recharged in 25 minutes.
The Ray EV can be distinguished from its conventional relatives by the flap in the radiator grille that covers the port for normal mains charging. The fast charge point is located under the panel that normally covers the petrol filler. 'Zero emissions EV' decals are applied to the front doors and the alloy wheels are a smooth, low-drag design.
To help locate charging points the Ray has a navigation system that shows recharging stations. It also displays the car's range as a circular area on the map to show which destinations can be reached on a single charge. Currently there are 500 charging stations in Korea with plans to increase that to 3,100 by the end of 2012.
Because of the quietness of the EV's drivetrain Kia has developed a 'VESS' which stands for Virtual Engine Sound System. This plays the sound of a petrol engine at speeds below 12mph or when the car is reversing to provide an audible warning to pedestrians.
Kia plans to build 2,500 Ray EVs in 2012, which will go to government departments and public offices. There are no plans to import the Kia Ray to the UK as yet.
John Lambert - 23 Dec 2011
